This program provides the marine community with the same benefits and protection that neighborhood watch does in other areas. The emphasis is on prevention and deterrence by practicing simple common sense precautions which reduces thefts, vandalism and other criminal activities. Objectives: The objectives of the “Marine Crime Watch” program is to help prevent and deter marine related crime. This is accomplished by: 1. educating boat owners and the marine community to carry out simple crime prevention measures. 2. encouraging all waterway users to develop a community spirit and report suspicious incidents. 3. developing a close liaison with police to ensure a two-way flow of information. Marine Crime--Help Prevent It The scope of marine crime is very broad ranging from theft of vessels and equipment, to crimes against individuals, fraud, drugs, environmental crimes, boating offenses, and wildlife violations. Every year thousands of dollars worth of boats and equipment are stolen and property vandalized. The marine community is not exempt from all types of illegal activity such as narcotics and violent crime. Shoreline areas that are accessible by vehicle and pedestrian traffic, such as boat launches, marinas, parks and adjacent roadways are all susceptible to crime. The primary goal of the “Marine Crime Watch” program is to deter theft, vandalism and all criminal activity in the marine environment community by reporting suspicious or criminal incidents to police, to foster a safer environment for the marine community and to promote camaraderie among the marine community. Although Marine related crimes are on the rise, there are many things that you can do to protect yourself and your property from criminal activity. Any crime prevention technique which requires a suspect to spend more time, make more of an effort, or to be more visible during the commission of a crime, may discourage the suspect altogether. The motto for Marine Crime Watch is “Observing, Reporting, and Helping”. Helpful Hints Mark It First, mark your property. This is a proven deterrent, and you’ll stand a better chance of having it returned should it be stolen. One method is to etch or engrave your driver’s license number or some other number on all of your valuable items. Also include the abbreviation prefix of the state in marking property. This will enable authorities to trace lost or stolen items. Use stickers to deter would-be-thieves. Place larger stickers in prominent positions on the boat and smaller ones again in prominent positions on equipment. Record It Secondly, record all of your equipment in detail. Compile a written inventory of all of your marine equipment, boat and trailer. List all electronics, outboard engines and other gear by brand name, model and serial number. (It is essential that police are supplied with as much information as possible.) Keep the record in a safe place at home and perhaps provide your insurance company with a copy. Record information about your boat by the make, model, registration number, and hull identification number. Write down the location of any hidden numbers and store it with your boat’s original hull identification number, the hidden number can be used for identification. Photograph It Photograph, or video tape, the interior and exterior of your vessel, showing all the installed equipment and additional gear carried. A photograph of any unusual or unique features, equipment or identifying marks or scratches can be useful. Open drawers and lockers and photograph the contents. Date and sign the photographs and add any clarifying or identifying messages. Store photographs or video tape with your inventory record in another safe location such as home. Secure It Utilize the best locks you can afford. Most thieves are opportunists and seek out easy entry - make sure your boat isn’t one of them. It is also a sensible idea to remove as many items as practicable when you leave your boat unattended. Probably the best way to keep thieves from removing property from your boat is to not leave it aboard. When securing your vessel, take home as much gear as you can. Including your TV, radio, CB, and as much other gear as possible. If it is not practical to take it with you, store it aboard out of sight in a cabinet or locker with good quality locks. Lastly, you may consider fitting an alarm to your houseboat. Care should be taken to select one that is resistant to water and humidity. Marina Security Many thieves are successful because they look as if they belong in an area. Become acquainted with your fellow neighbors. Help start a “Marine Crime Watch” at your dock, marina or launching area. A tactful offer to help assist a stranger in finding a person or a boat may signal to thieves that you are looking out for each other and that nobody goes unnoticed. Be sure to always lock your vehicle when parked at a launch site, marina or dock. Remember to keep all windows secured and to remove any valuables from sight. If you are not taking your purse, cell phone, or other property, then lock it in the trunk while you are gone. Also, park in an open area that is visible so as not to create any opportunity for a would-be-thief to attempt to break into your vehicle. Be mindful and alert to any suspicious vehicles or persons who are lingering in the area. Record license numbers of suspicious vehicles and try to obtain physical descriptions of any suspicious persons who may have been observed loitering in the area. Remember, vigilance is an important key to deterrence. Observing what is going on around you at all times and remembering these few safety tips can help deter crime. Levee District Police Levee District Police are responsible under Title 38:326 of the Louisiana Revised statutes for providing general law enforcement on the surrounding waters. The levee district is a geographical area defined by state law and includes all of the land and water area within the parishes. “Levee District Police” is the official state legislated name given to police officers under the State’s classified service and commissioned as peace officers by the Department of Public Safety, Office of State Police as required by law, under Title 38:326 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes. These police officers are responsible for maintaining order and exercising general police power. They possess arrest power to enforce all laws as peace officers as provided by their State Police authority. Levee District Police provide for general law enforcement and are responsible for the enforcement of all state laws including Title 14 (Criminal Code), Title 32 (Highway Regulatory Laws), Title 40 (Narcotics and Illegal Weapons), Title 30 (Environmental Laws), Title 34 (Boating Safety), Title 56 (Fish and Game Laws), Title 25 (Compulsory Insurance Violations), and Title 38 (Levee District Offenses). Contact Information If you have any information or questions, contact the Levee District Police at 505 District Drive, Monroe, La 71202-6862. The 24-hour automated phone number is (318) 323-7446 or call the nearest State Police Troop for contact assistance. Marine Crime Watch signs are available to the public for display at boat launches, marinas, docks and other marine areas. For more information or to request a sign contact the Levee District Police at (318) 323-7446. WARNING This is a MARINE CRIME WATCH AREA OBSERVE REPORT HELP LEVEE DISTRICT POLICE CRIMINAL*MARINE*PATROL To Report Crime 323-7446 Back to the Home Page