Preventing Personal Watercraft Theft
Your personal watercraft (PWC) is a valuable possession, especially during the summer months. Unfortunately, PWCs are ideal targets for thieves since these vehicles are easy to transport. That’s where we come in. At Nielsen Enterprises, we want to help you prevent personal watercraft theft. That’s why we’ve created the following guide with tips for just that. If you have any questions, reach out to our team at our Lake Villa, Illinois location. We also proudly serve Chicago, Illinois and Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
On the Water
The most important tip we can give you to prevent personal watercraft theft is to never leave your PWC unattended. If you ever need to leave your machine for any reason, make sure to chain it to the dock or another object that can’t be moved. Never leave your lanyard attached to the machine or to a lifejacket you’re not wearing. You should keep your lanyard with you at all times if you want to prevent theft. Some models may have added security features you can take advantage of like a digitally encoded layard, electronic lock, or a removable magnetic key.
On the Trailer
The water isn’t the only potential place theft can occur. Your personal watercraft could become the victim of a thief that’s passing by your trailer. In order to prevent this, make sure to use a heavy-duty, drill-proof trailer lock. This may not be the most affordable option, but it’s worth the investment. There are a variety of locks you can choose from, so take some time to do your research and find the type that works best for your needs.
If you are traveling with your PWC and stop at a hotel, you will need to take some extra steps to prevent theft. First, ensure that you park in a safe location that has adequate lighting and security cameras. If you have someone else traveling with you in another vehicle, ask them to park close behind the trailer. If you are permitted to, chain the trailer to a large object nearby. We also recommend investing in a motion-sensor alarm for the tow vehicle to prevent theft.
In Storage
Storing your personal watercraft is a big part of preventing theft. Use good judgement when choosing where and how to store your PWC. Ideally, you would store your machine in a secure garage. However, this isn’t always possible. Your personal watercraft should be kept out of sight at the very least. You should install an anti-theft wheel lock for your trailer too.
We hope your guide helps you prevent PWC theft. If you want any more tips or you’re looking to buy a new model, contact Nielsen Enterprises in Lake Villa, Illinois today. Whether you’re in Chicago, Illinois or Milwaukee, Wisconsin, we are here to help with your powersports and marine needs!