Tuesday, February 17, 2004

INCREASE IN SKI AND SNOWBOARD THEFTS
Searchmont, Ont.,

Sault Ste Marie OPP are getting an increase in the number of ski and snowboard thefts from Searchmont Resort.

Members of the Sault Ste Marie OPP will be making foot patrols around the resort and extra patrols of the parking lot area in an effort to deter these thefts. With the price of skis, snowboards and bindings starting near the $500.00 area, the value of these thefts quickly add up over a season.

Ski and boarding enthusiast can also help us recover their property by taking a few quick steps in crime prevention. Record the serial number of your ski’s or boards. If there aren’t any numbers on your equipment, engrave your licence plate on the equipment in an area where it won’t effect the performance of your downhill fun.

Most, if not all, ski resorts offer locking mechanism for your equipment. Use these securing devices every time your board or ski’s are off your feet and out of your hands. Some victims have found out the hard way that just one quick trip into the lodge was all that was needed for thieves to ruin their trip to the hill.

Crime prevention is everyone’s business. Together we can work to reduce thefts at ski hills and everywhere else.