I have heard about more and more things being stolen from boats. Keep your eyes open.

From today's KC Star:

The Missouri State Water Patrol is investigating the theft of electronic and fishing equipment from several boats participating in a fishing tournament at the Lake of the Ozarks over the weekend.

The thefts occurred early April 26 near the 8 mile marker on the Lake of the Ozarks. The Water Patrol believes more than $20,000 in property was stolen.

The Water Patrol warns that thieves continue to target fishing tournament participants, so they should remember to store valuables in secure, locked facilities rather than leaving them out in the open and to remove all valuables from boats and docks when possible.

Anyone with information about the thefts or secondary markets for fishing tackle is asked to contact the Missouri State Water Patrol at 1-573-751-3333 or online at Missouri State Water Patrol

by clicking on the crime tip link to leave an anonymous tip.

| Robert A. Cronkleton, bcronkleton@kcstar.com