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Sam Penrod ReportingA recent rash of thefts involving boats has police along the Wasatch Front warning boat owners tonight. The propellers from boat motors have suddenly became a hot item for thieves. In just the last week in Orem alone, eight propellers have been stolen off of boats, prompting a warning to other boat owners to safeguard their boat's propellers.
The Lynn family in Orem planned to go to Bear Lake for the long weekend and to spend time on their boat wakeboarding. But last night David Lynn was checking his boat out and discovered his $500 stainless steel propeller was gone.
It appears to be a trend in which thieves are stealing boat propellers. Orem Police are investigating eight cases of stolen boat props, which is causing frustration and disappointment for boaters.
David Lynn, Boat Owner: "I just bought it the end of last season. It was basically brand new with the water being so low; we had only used the boat four times with that prop."
The Lynn's neighbors also had their boat's propeller stolen the same night.
A possible motive to the thefts could be low water at Utah's reservoirs. Hitting bottom can damage boat propellers, some of which can be worth as much as $1600 each.
Police recommend boat owners keep their boats in a secured area or to remove their props for safe-keeping. There are also propeller locks available that can help protect your propeller from being stolen.
