Hi All
Here is an interim update of where we have got to in our attempts to reduce the loss of gear to thieves at home, at boat ramps and elsewhere too.
Back in Dec 2006 we undertook an attempt to utilize the NZ Police Boat Theft Database in Aus. As you know the NZ Police were happy to help by making their software available to agencies here.
As other Ausfishers who had attempted to do similar things in the past pointed out, there would be difficulties in getting such a thing working. They were correct and discussions with Police, Insurance companies and Datadot DNA Marine are ongoing.
In the meantime for your information; there is a public, free to use, site on which the loss of marine items can be reported to enable members of the public and Ausfishers to keep a look out. Its worth thinking about, using and especially promoting this site far and wide on all the sites you frequent.
Here is the link
http://www.marinetheft.com.au/index.php
I will continue to pursue an evolved form of the original concept, which has changed to be a lot more focussed on prevention of the theft rather than the initial emphasis on Boat theft Alerting and Recovery.
If anything its becoming more of a Data microdot DNA / Police Crime Stopper - property identification marking thing to make our boats, trailers and equipment totally unattractive as a rebirthing or sell prospect.
The Qld Police (and others) have engraving tools available and they will register your number and details and keep the info on file. They also give you stickers to alert theives.
DataDot also have very visible stickers to place on boats, motors, trailers etc to also warn theives to go elsewhere, if they have any sense. There are thousands of dots, each the size of a grain of sand attached all over boats etc and its impossible to get them off items making them totally identifiable forever. Poor Crims!
Some of you, with newer boats and motors could already have datadots on some of the items. Eg Seafarer boats have been doting their boats since 2003 ish and others are also doing it. Some newer O/B motors also have DataDot DNA markings.
The more warning stickers we place on boats, motors and trailers the better. Re trailers and boats, you can mark individual rollers for later ID as well as boat propellers reels rods etc.
One would think, partly sensible theives, would tend to go elsewhere where their risk of multiple charges for each identifiable item is avoided! NSW Police have used the dot marking as court evidence with great success. There are DVDs of this available.
It seems that marked items (boat, trailers down to propellors, reels etc) especially if they have the hidden microdots on them accompanied by warning stickers elsewhere close by or on the item, are a good way to protect gear. The numbers mean the police can trace them back to the owner and anyone else with them can be made to account for each and every item. Apparently this can potentially result in some solid time for the individual.
Some more good news.
In the meantime insurers are reducing premiums they will charge us if items to be covered are suitably marked. A reduction in the order of 10% has been mentioned so if you have marked your boat, trailer and other items with data microdots so its dna is forever traceable it will be worth asking for appropriate consideration when renewing policies. Nautilus and Club Marine are believed to be a few of the companies to check.
I hope this is of assistance and if you want more info reply or PM.
In the meantime I will continue to see what else we can do. It is possible that the QPS are about to get more involved with micro doting too, but time will tell.
Cheers
Chimo
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