National Insurance Crime Bureau: 2019 Watercraft Theft Report

DES PLAINES, Illinois, June 4 -- The National Insurance Crime Bureau issued the following news release:

The National Insurance Crime Bureau released its 2019 watercraft theft report. The report, based on theft data contained in the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database, revealed that there was a total of 4,240 thefts in 2019--a decrease of 6% from 2018.

Click here to view Table: https://www.nicb.org/news/news-releases/nicb-2019-watercraft-theft-report

Most thefts in 2019 occurred during the months of July (543), June (517) and May (483). December logged the fewest thefts with 205.

With the boating season upon us, boat owners are reminded to practice safe and smart boating. That includes personal safety while on the water, as well as theft prevention.

NICB recommends the following tips to 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

* Ensure your marine insurance policy includes your equipment, boat and trailer

* Take photos of the boat and mark it with a Hull Identification Number (HIN)

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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 data analytics, investigations, learning and development, government affairs and public affairs. The NICB is supported by more than 1,400 property and casualty insurance companies and self-insured organizations. NICB member companies wrote over $525 billion in insurance premiums in 2019, or more than 82% of the nation's property-casualty insurance. That includes more than 95% ($241 billion) of the nation's personal auto insurance. To learn more visit www.nicb.org.