Beware of stolen kayaks for sale.......

Subject: Speaking of Sharks, Kayak Thief Released

I learned today that the prime suspect in the rash SF Bay area kayak thefts (that occurred in the fall of 2007 and again in the Spring and Summer of 2008) has recently been released from prison again in the Bay area. In the past he began advertising and stealing kayaks shortly after being released. Be wary of any kayak and bike ads you see and insist on meeting the seller at their home to view the items (rather than allowing the seller to deliver to you or to meet you at a mutually convenient location). If you see any ads (or have any experiences) that make you the slightest bit suspicious call Matt at (206)367-2831 and/or e-mail a copy of the ad to [email protected] 
 
If you contact a suspicious kayak ad (and they return your call--they almost never answer when you call) do not tell the man (or more likely, the woman) that you are a BASK member (or even admit knowing what BASK is). The thieves want to sell to "hicks from the sticks" who are not networked with other kayakers and therefore not likely to find out the kayak, they thought they got a good deal on, was actually stolen. The thief is very sophisticated with the phone system, almost certainly has caller ID, and will likely check you out to make sure you are who you say you are before even returning your call. If someone calls you back about your inquiry, the name and number appearing on your caller ID might even be bogus  (but write it down anyway).
 
Please become familiar with the Stolen Kayak database at www.marinerkayaks.com/mkhtml/stolendb.htm (or just Google "Stolen Kayaks"). If you go to the top of the yellow background "Most Recent" section (near the end of the database) you can get a pretty good idea by the XXX's in the "Found" column just how prolific this kayak thief operating in the Bay Area has been. Those are the ones I've heard about, they are probably just the tip of the iceberg.
 
This thief usually steals kayaks from near the water but has also taken kayaks from parked car racks, kayak storage facilities, and carports. Heavy cables, hardened chains, and tough locks will only slow him down a little bit and are not even a deterrent to him. If you have a kayak that could be at risk, and can't move it to a safer location, I'd suggest you consider a well concealed security camera with a video tape back-up that monitors your kayaks. Also, make sure you have taken pictures of your kayaks, written down the serial numbers, and stored those numbers in a place you will remember. Make a note (or take a picture) of any distinguishing features, such as, accessories that have been added to your kayak, damaged areas, or any other markings that might make it easy for others to identify your kayak if they happen to see it.
 
Another thing that might help you recover your kayak, should it be stolen, would be to have written, in heavy felt pen, "If found or purchased call <your area code and phone number>" in several places inside your kayak, such as, the cockpit, the compartments, and under hatch lids. If your kayaks cannot be stored indoors it would be a good idea to remove essential items from them, such as the hatch lids and gaskets. Store those items inside your home. Removing essential items during storage will make your kayak considerably less attractive to any thief by making your kayak much harder to sell. If your kayak is stolen anyway, the new buyer will likely have to go shopping at a kayak store (or to the kayak's manufacturer) to replace the missing hatch covers. If a theft occurs anyway, then ask those retailers and manufacturers who might sell your kayak model's replacement parts, to be suspicious of anyone wanting to purchase hatch covers for your kayak model. That will greatly improve your odds of recovering it.
 
DO these things NOW! Don't wish you had later!
 
Please spread the word. Call or e-mail (this notice to) everyone you know within 100 miles of SF who kayaks (or is thinking about buying a kayak) to warn them of this threat.

Thanks for putting this up, Mooch.  That's just bunk - I hope this creep gets what he/she deserves.   

Another reason I'm glad to live in a smaller community...

Thanks for posting this, Mooch.
There's always some b@$+@rd out there that has to ruin the fun for everyone else. 

We need to catch this guy out at the fort and use him for crab bait!!!!!!!!!

We  need a pic of him.. haha

he needs to register like a pedafile does!.....or you can(see pic)
itSERVESaDUALpurpose!

Fishhunter - I believe I saw it somewhere on the boards, but what did you use to personalize your kayak like that?  I seriously doubt anyone would steal a kayak decorated like that - hah!

Thanks for the information Mooch - I am going to "modify" my kayak to personalize it a bit more.

~Patrick

Fishhunter - I believe I saw it somewhere on the boards, but what did you use to personalize your kayak like that?  I seriously doubt anyone would steal a kayak decorated like that - hah!

Thanks for the information Mooch - I am going to "modify" my kayak to personalize it a bit more.

~Patrick

Everything I used...all-in-one-shot!  it is getting scraped up&off,but the paint does stick well.

Hey Hunter how is that holding up?

Hey Hunter how is that holding up?

IS THAT YOU!?........ theReal_Bill?
it's all scraped off right down the center, but the sides and general theme is still intact.   I don't baby it, AT ALL!!

are you gonna be at the ISE Show? You can see it there......I'll take a pic and post a ONE year-after shot.

Patrick/ Fishunter,

In Seattle, my friend JP's OLD SCHOOL whitewater longboat (he rips like a playboater in an Eskimo Diablo!) was stolen. It was pinkish red with a huge picture of Darth Maul drawn on the deck. Stolen even with crazy custom art! We figured we'd see the donkey dic%s on the water for shizzle, but the boat still has not turned up.

I had two really unique 70's surfboards stolen from me. Notified the authorities and all local shops. It was pre Craigslist (how did we live?). The theives tried to sell my boards to a shop where two of my close friends were working at that moment. One bullshi77ed with the theives while the other lock the doors and called up Johnny Law. Sweet justice.

Has there been any specific incidences of kayak theft by this individual on the North Coast?
 

Kayak thieves arrested in Pacific Grove

Kayak thieves arrested in Pacific Grove

Sweet!! Usually 5 kayaks are missing and maybe 2 people get caught if that. But 2 kayaks taken and FIVE thieves arrested...OUTSTANDING!!!!!!!!!

I thought my cable lock was enough. I never thought somethig that size was such a prime target