Scout Units Need to Protect There Gear

<p>Scout units are not immune to the thievery of their equipment. All scouting units should take precautions to discourage thieves from stealing. Criminals are looking for easy targets especially ones with wheels on them. If they can roll it off-site and take their time breaking into it, they will. Here are some simple steps to help deter thievery for any unit. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>⛔ <strong>Storage </strong>– Sheds, garages, and storage containers. &nbsp;Many Charter Organizations (CO) will &nbsp;“donate” an out of site area for storage. This is very attractive to thieves. If this is the only option make sure that the access points are well lighted. If the CO has video surveillance make sure its posted. Believe it or not, if the thief sees a sign about video surveillance they will actually look for the camera. This way you will get a good mug shot of whoever stole your equipment. LOL&nbsp;</p> <p>⛔ <strong>Trailers </strong>– Enclosed, flatbeds, and canoe racks. Just locking the hitch down is not enuff. Get a wheel boot to prevent drag-a-ways. Keep the doors locked and install door hinge protection. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>⛔ <strong>Vehicles</strong> – Trucks and busses. Keep them locked, with the alarm on. If you are storing the vehicle for a period of time it may be best to remove the battery. Never leave the keys in the vehicle. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Marking your equipment, so it can be identified when found. Using hi-tech marking systems like “MicroDot” for expensive equipment. Even spray-painting the troop or pack logo on everything you can. Remember to save important documents, photos, and inventories offsite. Keep it on a thumb drive and backed up in multiple safe locations. At the end of the day, nothing will stop a truly desperate thief. We can slow them down and in some cases just discourage them to move on to easier crimes. If things are stolen, ID tags and markings will help leave clues that will get them caught. The CO techily owns your unit's equipment, trailers, and vehicles and should also help to ensur