The number of boats stolen in the Bethel Island area has increased in recent months, according to the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff. In the month of October, six boats have been stolen from Dutch Slough Road, Sandmound Boulevard and Sandmound Slough. Two of the boats have been recovered, their outboard engines missing, but the other boats remain unaccounted for.

“The Marine Services Unit has increased patrols in the area,” said Sheriff David Livingston. “We would like for boaters and people in the area to be vigilant and to report suspicious people and activity to the Office of the Sheriff.”

Boat owners should secure all valuable items by locking them away out of sight, not leave outboard motors attached to their boats, take pictures of their boat and expensive equipment, mark their property with their driver’s license, identification number or vessel registration number, record the serial number of their boat and equipment, and consider buying a boat alarm.