Police Warn Jet Ski Thefts are Rising in New Jersey

• Police say jet ski thefts are increasing in New Jersey
• Thieves are targeting both trailers and watercraft
• Authorities are offering tips to help owners protect their investment

Jet Skis Becoming a Big Target in NJ

As the old saying goes, "If it’s not nailed down, someone will steal it."

And that is certainly the case for what police say is the next big thing that criminals across New Jersey are going after.

While it's not exactly easy to nail down a jet ski, those who own those personal watercrafts are now a big target.

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According to the Glassboro Police Department, the latest law enforcement organization to share this news, there has been an increase in reports of stolen jet skis across the Garden State.

Officials say criminals are simply backing up their vehicle to a trailer that holds jet skis, they hitch that trailer to their vehicle, and simply drive away.

While exact numbers are not available, it's easy to assume that there are tens of thousands of jet skis registered in the state. And since new jet skis can easily cost $10,000 to $15,000 or more, those devices are very attractive to criminals.

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How to Protect Your Jet Ski

Authorities offer these tips to prevent you from being a victim:

• Secure a trailer with a hitch lock
• Immobilize the trailer with a wheel lock
• Remove the hitch coupler, making it harder for someone to attach the trailer to a vehicle

• Use a jet ski locking system - special cables that go through the intake grate or tow hook
• Always remove the key when not in use
• Hide a GPS tracker inside the jet ski so you can locate it if stolen