TOTAL NIGHTMARE!!!!!

I went out to my shop, turned on the light, and stopped dead in my tracks.
I was staring at an empty kayak trailer where just the day before it held five kayaks.
During the night someone or a couple of someones got into my shop and made off with FIVE kayaks.
After repeatedly yelling "Those MF's. Those Effin' MF's!" (and I REALLY mean repeatedly)
I called the Sheriff department and they immediately sent someone over.
When he arrived I told him what happened. He asked for a description of all 5 kayaks which was easy to give. Then he asked me if I had the serial numbers of the kayaks.
Of course I do.
Saying it was one thing, producing it was another.
I was going through all the paperwork in my file cabinets to no avail. Not in the kayak folder, not in the dresser..already upset I am saying to myself..MF...MF..MF...where are they?
The sheriff says to call him when I do find the numbers. I asked him to wait so he did.
Tearing the house apart I am breaking out in a sweat, heart pounding a mile a minute because I know w/o the numbers it is going to be hard to prove the kayaks are mine if they do find them.
I go into the other room to ask the sheriff to wait just a few more minutes and Becky tells me he left but gave her his card and to call him with the serial numbers when I find them.
I understand and continue going through EVERYTHING in the house, shop and garage.
Not having any luck, upset with the total violation of my property, upset because I heard nothing while it was happening I break out in an even bigger sweat, shaking,  blood pressure going up; the start of a panic attack...just then......my eyes pop open.......
I go out to the shop, turn on the lights and there they are; five beautiful, wonderful kayaks right where I left 'em. It really was just a nightmare...GOTCHA! 
.......BUT......
What a wake up call; LITERALLY. I learned a lot from that nightmare. I now have all my serial numbers with detailed descriptions of each kayak at my fingertips in case something like this does happen.
I also keep the kayaks locked with a cable running through the scuppers when not in use just to be on the safe side.
Overkill??? Maybe, but that dream really scared the crap out of me.
I hope this acts as a wake up call to everyone and you have the necessary info readily available........just in case YOU have a nightmare.

I feel like I just had a nightmare just from reading your post!  You got me, Mike, but good point.  Glad your babies are safe.   

Any decent police dag could find mine, thats why it wasn't never been washed...security.  Seriously though...where are the numbers on a Hobie? 

The numbers on a Hobie are on a flat spot by the rudder.

If you have ser numbers for your property and it's stolen the police will enter that property by brand, description and numer into a statewide system (it's actually several western states). Police aren't going to run every kayak they come across but if the guy is on parole or probation or if he doesn't seem right then a good cop will run numbers on the stuff. If your property is in the system then they will call you to come get your stuff. This is important because your stuff could end up in San Diego. People think "oh I will recognize my yak when I see it so I will get it back if it's stolen. Don't assume your yak will be staying in your region if it's stolen.

Not having your serial numbers is like not having a dive partner or yaking a mile off shore with no wetsuit or safety equipment.   

I now have all my serial numbers with detailed descriptions of each kayak at my fingertips  in case something like this does happen.

Just photo everything rods and reel,jewelry,antiques etc.and upload to a photo host site and a mem.stick and keep it in your safety deposit box or other safe place.

You had me all the way!!!! Great pointsthogh. I already run a cable through all yaks and my yakima rack, but I con't have the #'s written down....yet!

I was cussing them bastards right along with you tote Glad it was just a dream. Made me think, I don't have my #'s handy either. But, I will by the end of this day complete with photos .

Thanks for the heads up
Ben

Any decent police dag could find mine, thats why it wasn't never been washed...security.  Seriously though...where are the numbers on a Hobie? 

Same place as the T11.    j/k Still haven't found that one.
On my Revo it is on the starboard side about a foot forward of the stern.

I've got Hobie's & I'll be writing serial numbers down today.  I didn't know they had them.



mm

Damm Tote!!!!

 Ya Got me,  We have had more than a couple yaks ripped and the thought of all of yours gone had me going...

 glad to gear all is Ok...

I would think the dealer would have a record too

I have mine locked down like Fort Knox and the old lady thinks I'm crazy but you never know these days! I took it one step further and engraved my drivers license number.

Reason for this was that one of my buddies had a bunch of high end mechanics tools ripped off a couple of years ago and the cops said that the only reason he got them back was because they ran the DL number on it and contacted him right away. Other wise tracking down the serial numbers could of been lost in the paper work shuffle especially if it is found a long way from home. Just a thought.

Man, it isn't even April 1 yet!  You had me, I was crying along with you.

You are right about security though.  I keep m numbers locked up my my safe.  The DL # on the inside is a great idea.  I have a couple of bike locks I use when they are in or on my trucks racks, or to lock them to the trailer or picknick table while away from camp.  Good tips here, Matt

Where is the number located on Cobras?

Where is the number located on Cobras?

Check the back right side of the kayak right above the water line.

Hey Tote I was thinking of you when I was passing the Sly Park exit today on my way down the hill from Tahoe today. Wow what a snow storm!


But what a scary thought. I usually keep mine on the side of the house and the gate unlocked. I think I a, going to go out right now and figure a better storage idea.

Jeff