Florida leads nation in boat thefts
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Nearly one in every four outboard engine thefts occurs in Florida, mostly in Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe counties, an Associated Press story said today.
The numbers were released at the International Association of Marine Investigators meeting in West Palm Beach, according to the story.
“Florida is popular for marine pirates because of black market demand in South America and the Caribbean, and the theft is made easier since Florida does not require registration of boat engines, just the boat itself,” the story said.
Statistics show that boats sitting in driveways are more likely to be targeted by thieves than expensive yachts at marinas, and thefts are most likely to take place on Wednesday afternoon between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., according to the story.
The article said experts suggest keeping a car parked in front of the boat trailer to deter criminals.
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