Thieves are out there

[Big Mike]

I was walking by my fishing vehicle today when I noticed a slight bulge in the drivers side door that I didn't recall seeing earlier this week. When I looked closer there was a gouge in the plastic trim and when I opened the door there were scratch marks on the interior paint that lined with the outside. It became clear that someone had tried to pop the door by jamming a screwdriver in the gap and pulling. Since I never have this vehicle locked at home (it's a 99 Expedition and maybe someone will do me a favor and take it) but always lock it at the launches this is where it had to happen. Naming which launch I think it happened at serves no purpose since this can happen at any launch, but it's a stark reminder to never leave anything of value in your vehicle (by request my best guess is it was St. Inigoes, but I fished at four different launches this week in St. Mary's). In my case it would have been a Plano box of hard baits that would cost over $100 to replace (not counting the fine CD collection gathering dust in the back).

I know this is redundant from what you already know but unfortunately it is a reality these days and can happen to any of us.

[DanMarino]

Itching to hear where you think it happened?

[Big Mike]

I fished at 4 different launches this week so a definitive answer is hard. My best guess is it was St. Inigoes. A couple of us recall a pickup truck that had pulled into the lot but parked in front of our vehicles. It stayed about 20 minutes and then left.

[DonV]

It more liklely to happen at a launch where someone has already attempted it. The information would be very helpful and can at least offer others a chance to maybe see something or keep a wary eye. Please let us know.

[Memory Maker]

........ Naming the launch does serve a purpose ......... It alerts us and the police to keep a look out ........ My guess would be the the 1 just across the Key bridge ....... I think it's ft Armstead or the 1 by harbor hospital ....... Both have a rep for problems

[Backdoc]

This is the reason I don't "advertise" that I am a fisherman. No stickers on my truck. I hide my rod tubes under my seat and never leave any of my gear in plain sight. It is hard not to be advertising when I have my kayak carrier hanging out of my hitch but I try to minimize what can be seen. I like Loomis stickers just as much as the next guy but mine are in my door jams. I think I kind of look cool when I open my doors and you see all of my cool stickers but I probably just look like an ass.

[Shady]

I've never had any issues at armistead or harbor hospital and have launched at both several times early and late in the day

[WOOD YAK]

Big Mike: Not fear mongering but maybe there is a bad apple targeting St. Inigoes that someone reported. Last week as I was unloading my yak a police car pulled into the parking lot. He stayed for a few minutes and left. Maybe he was taking a break or doing a routine patrol. Hard to say. But nice of him to swing in and check things out. Sadly I'm sure it has happened. Glad you didn't lose anything.

[Backdoc]

Same

I've never had any issues at armistead or harbor hospital and have launched at both several times early and late in the day