Jet Ski Owners Offered Opportunity to Protect Their Vehicle with DataDot Technology

Sixty two jet skis have been stolen from Victorian residents in 2012, the highest number of reported thefts of personal water craft (PWC) on record. Crime Stoppers and Victoria Police are warning Jet Ski owners to secure their PWC before the busy summer season and to have their watercraft marked with a security identification system to deter theft.

Owners of PWC’s are being encouraged to have their watercraft marked with world leading technology security identification system, DataDotDNA® in the lead-up to the holiday season.

In the Melbourne area alone, a spate of Jet Ski thefts valued at almost $1 million in the past twelve months has police on alert and they will be increasing the frequency of spot checks.

Assets which have been marked with DataDotDNA® are easily identifiable by police, resulting in increased recovery of crafts, and can lead to the successful criminal prosecution of thieves.

Sam Hunter, CEO Crime Stoppers Victoria said, “Sixty two Jet Skis have been stolen from Victorians in 2012 alone. This is a great opportunity for the community to fight back, marking their assets to deter the crime and provide police with an enhanced ability to investigate and prosecute the criminals.”

“Thefts for owners are more than just an inconvenience – having your property stolen causes frustration, costs money and results in increased insurance premiums,” said Ms Hunter.

In order to encourage security marking of jet skis, three leading Victorian Boat Dealers have responded to the call for action and will hold an Open Day on December 15th.

Victoria Police Water Police Squad Leading Senior Constable Mark Hurwood supports the initiative as one way the Victorian community can fight back against the crime.