Warning - Spruce Run Boat Storage

[capthook101]

Feel obliged to get the word out to folks who are storing (or considering) storing your boat at Spruce Run. This weekend I planned to fish SR with my nephew. Arrived at boat storage location and noticed the tie downs on my cover were severed. Once inside my boat I realized everything that was not locked down was stolen (batteries, life jackets, etc). Much worse though, the person(s) who did this decided to sever all of my electrical wires AND rip my glove box out which contained registration, keys, etc. Why take the extra step in destroying someone's property? Another boat in the vicinity also had their tie downs cut so I assume I was not the only victim. Fishing day ruined and probably not getting my boat back for many weeks. Lesson learned and preventive measures have now been taken. First post on this board. Hopefully future ones will be more upbeat!

[Hookmanski]

Dude, what a bummer. Sorry that this happened to you. I live 5 minutes from SR, and unfortunately we've been seeing a lot more petty crimes in the area. Last year both of my parent's cars were broken into. Shame that such a beautiful day was ruined by some ***hol*. Hope it never happens to you again!

[waynedane]

Originally Posted by capthook101

Feel obliged to get the word out to folks who are storing (or considering) storing your boat at Spruce Run. This weekend I planned to fish SR with my nephew. Arrived at boat storage location and noticed the tie downs on my cover were severed. Once inside my boat I realized everything that was not locked down was stolen (batteries, life jackets, etc). Much worse though, the person(s) who did this decided to sever all of my electrical wires AND rip my glove box out which contained registration, keys, etc. Why take the extra step in destroying someone's property? Another boat in the vicinity also had their tie downs cut so I assume I was not the only victim. Fishing day ruined and probably not getting my boat back for many weeks. Lesson learned and preventive measures have now been taken. First post on this board. Hopefully future ones will be more upbeat!

Sorry to hear about this, I fish there a few days a week and was just talking to my friend about leaving a boat there with some of the characters I see driving around. I don't see any security trucks driving around at night?

[logs22]

I also store my boat at SR and was told when I signed up that there had been incidents in the past. The same thing that makes Spruce Run so great (24 hour access, free access at night) also makes the storage area difficult to secure. There was actually a polic office at the launch last night, not sure if it was related. When I first started storing at SR I would remove my trolling motor, batteries and anything not secured from the boat each time I went. I guess I was lulled into a false sense of security when nothing occurred the first month because I have lately been leaving my motor, batteries and a couple poles on my boat for convenience. As of last night nothing had been stolen. My boat looks like a total piece of shit though so it is probably the last boat a thief would target. I may go out there tonight and grab my new transom troller since I can't afford to have that stolen. My bow mount is busted so if a thief has some power tools with him and Goes to the trouble of stealing It he would be doing me a favor.

[Moz]

Sorry to hear that. That really sucks, they should at least have surveillance cameras up to monitor the boat storage area.

[Riz]

man that is totally messed up. Im so sorry. hope they catch the guys. I don't have any extra life vests otherwise id give them to ya to help ya out. did they get any tackle?

[FASTEDDIE29]

This is an unfortunate first post. Very sorry for the loss of all you boating stuff! Unbelievable! There seems to be dirtbags just about everywhere in our little state. We must find them and cut there fingers off 1 by 1. Ahhhhhhghggg!!! Welcome to the site dude! It's the best! Hopefully your next post is more positive!!!

[capthook101]

Thanks everyone for responses. Many more good guys out there than the bad apples. Hopefully my next post will be about some big brown trout caught in one of our rivers (since my boat will be in the shop for awhile!)

[Frankthebank11]

I was working on my boat this week, the Park Police stopped by and checked my credentials. The officer indicated there have been several thefts recently, and they have stepped up patrols considerably. A paddle board was missing, along with boats being vandalized. He indicated they may have to limit access to the park, eliminating the 24/7 policy.

[Eskimo]

Originally Posted by havea69vette

I was working on my boat this week, the Park Police stopped by and checked my credentials. The officer indicated there have been several thefts recently, and they have stepped up patrols considerably. A paddle board was missing, along with boats being vandalized. He indicated they may have to limit access to the park, eliminating the 24/7 policy.

The Park Police were patrolling the boat storage area yesterday. I've never seen them do that before.

I don't recall this problem in the past. I'm not sure what has changed. I guess it's a combination of factors like suburban development closing in around the reservoir and the heroin epidemic. Either way, treat the boat storage area as you would any other public space - as if you were parking the boat along a busy street in an urban area.

I would hate to see Spruce Run operate by strict daytime hours like Merrill Creek Reservoir is. Evening and night fishing is big pat of fishing for the types of fish they stock there. Having to get off the water just as the evening bite is turning on to avoid getting an expensive trespassing ticket really sucks.


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