Thieves look for easy targets ? purses, GPS units, laptops left in unlocked cars overnight.
Added to the list lately have been small, lightweight trolling motors, taken from boats pulled up on shore or docked in the water.
“Some from the water, all at night,” said Det. Sgt. Matt Baldes, Oakland County Sheriff Independence Township substation.
Reports include a seven-and-a-half pound outboard motor, taken from the back of a rowboat, June 8, in the 4000 block of Parview Drive.
On June 19, an eight-pound electric motor was stolen from the front of a pedal boat in the 4000 block of Curtis Lane
July 7, someone took an outboard motor, battery, and gas tank from a boat docked on the water off Andersonville Road, July 7. The boat owner also noticed the motor taken from a neighbor’s rowboat.
“These trolling motors are hard to trace and they’re easily concealed,” Baldes said. “The number one thing is due diligence ? watch your stuff. Take it off the boat and lock it up in the garage. Watch out for your neighbor.”
For more information or to report suspicious activity, call the Independence substation at 248-620-4970, Springfield Township substation at 248-625-8531, or Clarkston Police, 248-625-0088.
? Phil Custodio