Great wind - and the eagerness to get out on the water means relatively easy picking for thieves who are on the watch at more of the local kiting venues...

This post is based on recent experiences in Victoria but applies nation-wide.

Already there are a number of reports from St Kilda and other lcoations of kit being stolen while kiters are out on the water or otherwise occupied.

The latest of these is from Hampton beach where a thief apparently watched a kiter hide his keys and then casually helped himself to the content of the kiter's car while the kiter was out on the water.

We appeal to all kiters to be aware that we are being watched - and not in the way we want.

Some tips:
* Take minimum gear - leave the luxuries at home or with someone on the beach.
* Have a beach-partner, or organise for a friend, watch your stuff.
* Do not hide your keys - take them with you - waterproof pouches are readily available from local kite and sailing dealers - even from Parks Vic if you ask them nicely (for those in Victoria).
* Do not leave valuables visible in your car - lock them securely in the boot or better yet take them for a sail.

Be vigilent - report any suspicious behaviour - sometimes just calling on the phone, writing down a car license number, or even taking a phone photo while looking at a suspicious character is enough to scare them off if they are up to no good.....

I've always wondered if zip log bags would hold up in the surf. Any comments?

www.surflock.com.au

Simple solution

+1 on the surflock

peanuticus said...

+1 on the surflock

+2 on the surflock. the seabreeze ones work well.

Mr float said...

solution... paint bobs in your gear ...

haha.. I misread that as 'paint boobs' on your gear! Might work!

Apathetic End - That is a pretty good stance to take wrt asking people what they are doing - if someone gets indignant on you you can always diffuse the situation by saying, "look I'm sorry, its just that we get a lot of break ins here" Reasonable people are not going to take offence. However, I know these days people are worried someone is going to pull a knife on them and that fear lets people get away with being scum.

I mean it would be a shame to let things get like they are say, in London where a guy can come along and cut the lock off your bike in a busy public place because people are scared to ask what is going on.

lostinlondon - Yeah, i can appreciate people's reluctance and I don't condemn them for it. I'm just ok with taking that risk i guess. It's a personal choice and I have a hardon for community. I take a big sense of ownership (or maybe responsibility is a better word) for the place i live. This extends to the places I frequent like my local parks and Perth beaches. This responsibility extends beyond the carpark as well. It means picking up litter instead of walking past it and generally looking out for people.

I guess my Dad gave me a strong sense of justice and i've been ripped off so i have a special hate on for theives.

dnd_crackworldegg said...

sebbu said...
Or go and get a 'mechanics key' cut for your car (i.e. does not have the electronics on it). Cost you about $20 and it can be taken in the water.

You can then lock your normal keys in the boot, and take the mecahnics one in the water.

On the waterproof bags, I've had them puncture before, which aint good for the keys inside.

This is what I have. I got a key w/out electronics (per above post) but with immobiliser component to avoid leaving keys behind.

I had one of these, but some scum broke into old commodre drove off.. Ever since the I have insured my cars!