ALERT: Boaters on West Point Lake - Thieves Want Your Stuff!!!

Summer is quickly approaching, and the fish are biting... Do your plans include fishing, skiing or any other recreational activity on the Lake this weekend? Troup County Sheriff Donny Turner urges you to take only your important belongings and necessary equipment when leaving your vehicle unattended for ANY length of time, at ANY recreational or boating area on the Lake.

In the past week, there have been 4 reports of entering auto at various parking locations (boat ramps) on West Point Lake. In one instance, a rear driver side window was shattered on an SUV in order for theives to remove headrest DVD players, an iPod Touch, flip-style cellphone and a pocketbook.

Another incident involved a pickup truck with a toolbox mounted in the bed which had been left unsecured, while the vehicle's owner was boating on the lake. After he returned, he discovered that an electric hammer drill had been taken from the toolbox.

These are but two examples to remind you that, while you may be enjoying some free time with friends and family, criminals don't take time off from their busy schedules. Their goal is to take advantage of any opportunity that presents itself... i.e. An unattended truck parked at a boat ramp with electronics and other valuables in plain view. They really love it when you leave your vehicle unsecured. LOCK YOUR DOORS! Do not leave any valuable in plain sight. Take only the necessary supplies and equipment, then make sure that you can carry those items with you on the lake!

Sheriff Turner has had Troup County Sheriff's Office Lake Patrol step up their presence and concentrated efforts around these areas to combat future incidents of Theft. You can also lend a hand by notifying 911 whenever you see suspicious activity occurring at West Point Lake. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can call the Troup County Crime Stoppers Hotline at (706)812-1000!