Watercraft Theft and Recoveries in the United States

Don't Let Boat Theft Sink Your Vacation Plans

DES PLAINES, Ill., May 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A new report from the
National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) examines watercraft* theft and
recoveries as the annual boating season nears its official launch.

Watercraft theft and recovery data reported to the National Crime Information
Center (NCIC) for the period January 1, 2006 through March 31, 2009 was
reviewed for all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the
Virgin Islands.

Overall, there were 19,854 reported watercraft thefts during the period.
There was a 2.47 percent decrease in thefts from 2006 to 2008. Of the total
reported thefts for the period, 9,060 were recovered which translates to 45.63
percent. The recoveries experienced an upward trend for the period.

The top five states for thefts in descending order are Florida, California,
Texas, Michigan and North Carolina while the top five for recoveries are
Florida, California, Texas, Washington and Michigan.

A value was determined for only 334 of the total thefts (NCIC does not require
a value) and that amounted to more than $5.2 million with the most expensive
single loss valued at $600,000. The average value of these 334 watercraft was
$15,615.

Although watercraft theft is mostly a seasonal crime, many states have year
round seasons and owners need to practice safe and smart boating which
includes personal safety while on the water as well as theft prevention. NICB
recommends the following tips to help protect your watercraft from theft:

-- When you dock it, lock it and secure it to the dock with a steel cable
-- Remove expensive equipment when not in use
-- Chain and lock detachable motors to the boat
-- Do not leave title or registration papers in the craft
-- Disable the craft by shutting fuel lines or removing batteries
-- Use a trailer hitch lock after parking a boat on its trailer
-- Install a kill switch in the ignition system

"I've heard it said the happiest days in a boat owner's life are the day when
he or she buys a boat and the day it's sold. Then certainly the saddest day in
a boat owner's life is when a boat gets stolen," said Joe Wehrle, NICB
president and chief executive officer. "Enjoy your watercraft. Follow
recommended maintenance schedules and have the appropriate level of insurance
to protect you from financial loss due to accident or theft."

The complete report can be downloaded at www.nicb.org under "Hot Topics".

NICB's boat theft awareness brochure is available at:
https://www.nicb.org/cps/rde/xbcr/nicb/13734_BoatTheft_Eng.pdf. The complete
list of prevention tips and a useful marine equipment identification checklist
are available at: https://www.nicb.org/cps/rde/xchg/nicb/hs.xsl/83.htm.

*Watercraft include but are not limited to pontoon boats, dinghies, rowboats,
canoes, personal watercraft (PWC), sailboats, speedboats, powerboats and
kayaks.

About the National Insurance Crime Bureau: headquartered in Des Plaines, Ill.,
the NICB is the nation's leading not-for-profit organization exclusively
dedicated to preventing, detecting and defeating insurance fraud and vehicle
theft through information analysis, investigations, training, legislative
advocacy and public awareness. The NICB is supported by more than 1,000
property and casualty insurance companies and self-insured organizations.
NICB member companies wrote nearly $343 billion in insurance premiums in 2008,
or more than 82 percent of the nation's property/casualty insurance. To learn
more visit www.nicb.org.

SOURCE National Insurance Crime Bureau

Frank Scafidi of NICB, +1-916-979-7025, fscafidi@nicb.org