Over 60 PWCs stolen in Vic

Sixty two jet skis have been stolen from Victorian residents in 2012, the highest number of reported thefts of personal water craft (PWC) on record. Crime Stoppers and Victoria Police are warning jet ski owners to secure their PWC before the busy summer season and to have their watercraft marked with a security identification system to deter theft.

Owners of PWCs are being encouraged to have their watercraft marked with security identification system, DataDotDNA®  in the lead-up to the holiday season. 

In the Melbourne area alone, a spate of jet ski thefts valued at almost $1 million in the past twelve months has police on alert and we're told they will be increasing the frequency of spot checks.

Assets which have been marked with DataDotDNA® are easily identifiable by police, resulting in increased recovery of vessels, and can lead to the successful criminal prosecution of thieves.

Sam Hunter, CEO Crime Stoppers Victoria said: "Sixty two jet skis have been stolen from Victorians in 2012 alone. This is a great opportunity for the community to fight back, marking their assets to deter the crime and provide police with an enhanced ability to investigate and prosecute the criminals."

"Thefts for owners are more than just an inconvenience -- having your property stolen causes frustration, costs money and results in increased insurance premiums," said Ms Hunter.

In order to encourage security marking of jet skis, three leading Victorian boat dealers have responded to the call for action and will hold an open day on December 15th.

Victoria Police Water Police Squad leading senior constable Mark Hurwood supports the initiative as one way the Victorian community can fight back against the crime.

"Thieves have had ready access to citizens’ property and identifying a jet ski as stolen is not always easy. Thousands of tiny data dot discs cannot be removed from the craft and that gives us the evidence we need to prosecute the crime."

Owners can have DataDotDNA®, applied to their skis for a significantly reduced price of only $25. (Retail value of $99).The unique PIN on the DataDot is then registered on a secure database that is accessed globally by law enforcement agencies during investigations. Application is quick and easy, with the process complete in approximately five minutes.

Leading industry insurance provider, Club Marine has joined the initiative to offset the price for all PWC owners and will cover the entire cost for all existing and new Club Marine members to have DataDotDNA® applied to all pleasure craft. Club Marine will reward member participation by waiving the theft excess for DataDotDNA® marked jet skis in the event of a theft.