Vehicle Break-Ins at Caterpiller Island

JerryYong · 02-24-2004, 06:50 PM

Launched at Caterpiller Island yesterday afternoon to do some Springer fishing. (Saw one about 15lbs. caught). Upon returning to the launch, a young man came up to me and asked if I had seen any suspicious vehicles in the parking lot since he and another guy's vehicles had been broken into and had valuables stolen from them. The Vancouver PD was called and both break-ins were reported. Another gentleman at the launch also reported being broken into two weeks ago. Just a heads up to everyone to keep your eyes peeled for the low-life's lurking at the boat launches.

glowball · 02-24-2004, 07:01 PM

Probably them freaking ********. I hate thieves. Thanks for the heads up. And welcome aboard.

Green Willie · 02-24-2004, 08:21 PM

Because that launch is fairly remote there is not a lot of patrol activity.

JN

Rakkasan · 02-24-2004, 09:27 PM

I know I say this almost everytime I see a post on thefts. I cannot stress the importance of leaving your vehicle empty of everything. I know it does not seem right, but if you give them something to take then they are going to take it. Covering it up with blankets and towels only tells them it is something worth looking at. Leave it home or take it in the boat or on the bank. It is not 100% guarantied but it makes a differance. Sorry this happened to you. I know how it feels. My truck was broken into twice in two months until I learned to leave it empty. I hope you insurance takes care of it for you. Oh yeah......My bike was ripped off from my back porch that was locked up with a $35.00 lock. I guess I will have to take a $350.00 loss

. That could have been another couple of rods if I sold it. Like I need them :grin:

kayakfisher · 02-24-2004, 09:33 PM

Where is Cat. Island?

thanks,

m.

crittergitter · 02-24-2004, 09:42 PM

Sorry to hear that, it takes all kinds. If you ever find the @#^%$##@, let us know, I know a few of us who would like to make their day, like they made ours.
Cattepillar island launch is down off of lower river road. swing down past frenchmans bar park and it's just past the boat houses on the left.

FishinMission · 02-25-2004, 07:10 AM

DS Rods...Though you're right about not leaving anything laying around, the last day I was there a guy had his stereo torn out of his dash.

Couple of questions...

1. What time of day did the break-ins occur?
2. Would anybody be willing to "Lurk" (with me)in the bushes with binocs/camcorder to record a vehicle description, and put these guys away?

I'm not advocating taking the law into our own hands, but a license # or vehicle description and a tip to Vancouver PD about what we're up to would help catch the perps. far as I knw...there's only one road leading out of this area. Better yet..a video could put them behind bars.

As a prior victim...I'd be willing to donate an afternoon or two in my cammies armed with my camcorder/binocs to see who's guilty and put them behind bars. Anybody else out there that would care to join me??

If so..E-Mail me.

Mark

[ 02-25-2004, 09:49 AM: Message edited by: FishinMission ]

FishinMission · 02-25-2004, 07:32 AM

TTT

Reel Premier · 02-25-2004, 08:11 AM

Sorry to hear of your break in, this problem seems to keep growing at all our boat launches.

[img]graemlins/berry.gif[/img]

hookumhi · 02-25-2004, 08:42 AM

I'm with ya FM I would be happy to join the group of exterminators , and I'm sure my doby would be more than happy to leave an impression on these scum thieves.

FishinMission · 02-25-2004, 08:48 AM

Well...As much as like to deal with them myself...I think it would be better for the law enforcement officers to do it. I'm kinda thinkin' of their "M.O."..and have a suspicion of who may be responsible...based on what I've seen on my trips out there.

I think if we were to let Vancouver Police know we're watching(when we do), then phone them when we see activity, we'd have our crooks.

I'd like to invite anyone interested to join me in nabbing these folks.

Seems the break-ins occur from around noon to 3 p.m.

How 'bout it guys?

Mark

hookem · 02-25-2004, 08:49 AM

The caterpillar inland launch is a perfect place for a brake in because the thief's can easily tell if they are alone there.
But because of the one way out on a long road, its also the easiest to catch someone.

FishinMission · 02-25-2004, 08:53 AM

Theres always a goup of guys standing near the trailer house where you make the 90 degree bend just before Frenchman's Park. I'm thinking they may be lookouts, or watching for boats to go by. They'd never know if we were watching or not. :grin:

But from their view..they'd be able to tip off anybody they know that's doing the break ins. Could give them a few minutes warning to skidaddle. Just a hunch.

Mark

Mark

FishinMission · 02-25-2004, 08:54 AM

Anybody wanna hook up for a stakeout today?

I'm game.

Mark

Hogback · 02-25-2004, 09:03 AM

The only problem with busting these scum bags is that the courts will do nothing about them. I don't intend to sound negative, but the whole theft problem is out of control because these mutts don't care if they get caught and the police can't do much about them if they do catch them. To add insult to injury if you catch them yourself and kick their /// you get sued and then courts are more than happy to help. I think the only answer is the one I used years ago, I had a Pit bull that hated anyone who came near my truck and guess what no one did.
Randy

hookumhi · 02-25-2004, 09:03 AM

where exactly is this place? Iwould be willing to do it on friday afternoon , I can't today>

FishinMission · 02-25-2004, 09:52 AM

Take 4th plain west from Main St. in Vancouver...past Frenchman's Bar Park about a mile.

I have a service appt. Friday for my truck. I may head there this afternoon just for the heck of it.

Mark

Abalone · 02-25-2004, 09:59 AM

I AM REALLY LOOKING foward to the post that says.

" Body of a Car burgler found with a Fishing pole shoved up his #$# "

02-25-2004, 10:00 AM

Cookie Man,
I would help if I was closer. If you need help the first of next month I'll be in Portland for a few days and wouldn't mind doing some turkey hunting.

Montana · 02-25-2004, 10:05 AM

I go to Cat. Island ramp often, I have seen some questionalbe people lurking around, I may just go hide out in brush for an afternoon just to nab one of these morons.

FishinMission · 02-25-2004, 10:11 AM

I'm gonna spend some time there today. Have contacted Vancouver Police. They say don't get involved but DO call 911 as soon as you see something "fishy" going on. Besides that..I'm bored. Nice way to kill some time.

Keta..shoot me an E-Mail before you head up, and I'll give you my cell # so's we can hook up.

Mark

JerryYong · 02-25-2004, 10:11 AM

Caterpiller Island launch is on the west side of Vancouver Lake. From I-5 take either the 4th Plain or Mill Plain Exits heading west. They turn into Lower River Road. Follow Lower River Road out several miles past Frenchman's Bar Park and Kadow's Marina. It's on the left hand side just past Kadow's. The break-ins occured sometime between 11 and 1 I think. I thought about making up some sort of standardized warning cards/signs that all of us could put on our dash or windows telling the scum bags that we have organized a watch amongst us fishermen and that we will always have someone from our group hiding in the bushes with video equipment (or a scope attached to a gun).

02-25-2004, 10:12 AM

K

FishinMission · 02-25-2004, 10:18 AM

Jerry...I was wondering what time you were there..and you mentioned it in your last post. Do you remember seeing a group of guys on the right at the trailer house just before Frenchman's Park? I'm suspicious of them :shocked:

Just wondering.

Mark

FishinMission · 02-25-2004, 10:21 AM

Stay tuned..."A hunting we will go...."

I'm outta here.

Mark

Abalone · 02-25-2004, 10:34 AM

How big a deal would it be to hide a camera somewhere ? I mean of Security camera. They aren't that expensive and you would have all the evidence you need for a Conviction. Somehow I don't think Viginaltism is going to get the job done safely.

Hang one in a tree with a view of the area and record it on an Eight hour tape while fishing.

Tilla · 02-25-2004, 12:05 PM

When the fishing picks up on the beach at Frenchman's that parking lot is out of sight from the fisherman at the beach, another popular breakin spot.

hookumhi · 02-25-2004, 12:41 PM

I will see you out there on friday about lunch time let me know if anyone else will be there . I'll be in a green Chevy truck. Jim [img]graemlins/eek13.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/eek13.gif[/img]

Ray S. · 02-25-2004, 01:25 PM

I use that lot on a regular basis. So far I have been lucky.Last year in the spring I was putting the boat in midday and I saw a compact car parked with a couple of scurvy looking tweeker types inside. After I parked my truck I took a pad and pen and walked over and got a good look at them and wrote down their license #. Later that day I called the Vancouver PD and gave them the license # and description of those dudes. The police seemed to be thankful and I think the theivery slowed down a little.
Ps...I ain't dirty Harry but I have a little buddy who's initials are S and W that I legally take with me.
Catch em in the act
Ray

Skipper · 02-25-2004, 01:58 PM

Hogback is right, the courts do not punish the criminals as they should.

Part of the problem is the LIBERALS in Oregon who make up the juries, go easy on criminals.

I was a juror in a criminal trial of someone suspected of stealing guns, TV, VCR, and more from another vehicle parked at the Expo Center during a show. The jury was unanimous on 2 counts but the third count only three of us CONSERVATIVES thought he was guilty the others who were LIBERAL made us find him not guilty on the third count.

My $.02

Cheerio'
Skipper

[ 02-25-2004, 03:00 PM: Message edited by: Skipper ]

FishinMission · 02-25-2004, 02:16 PM

Well..I'm back...didn't see nuthin' TODAY...but...there were two other dudes there who were also "hunting" for the scuzzballs..one had a rifle with a scope! :shocked: :shocked:

FYI...Cell phone reception there is no good(at least for me) until you get up on the road...so beware and use caution.

They guy I talked to got hit two weeks ago...said he thought it was some folks who live about a mile farther down the road.

Nice to know "Others" are watchin. The others told me they got hit between 11a.m and 1 p.m.

Mark

JerryYong · 02-25-2004, 04:21 PM

Mark, Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner but I've had one eye on ifish and the other on my business all day. I arrived at the launch at 1:20 and didn't take out until right at dark on Monday afternoon. I don't remember seeing anyone at the trailer in question and saw no other vehicles (without trailers anyway) when I got to the launch. The break-ins happened before I got there. Thanks for running down there today and checking it out and to everyone else for their concern. I know I will be writing down suspicious looking vehicle license plates and vehicle descriptions from now on. I will be down there tomorrow or Friday. I'm driving a black Tundra with a Blue trimmed Alumaweld Stryker.

chinookin · 02-25-2004, 05:09 PM

somebody needs to come up with some sort of explosive die like they use in banks. Wouldn't be hard to find somebody thats face is blue, or red or something. [img]graemlins/idea.gif[/img]

Perfect Drift · 02-25-2004, 05:32 PM

This needs a thread of it's own.
A running log of where and when.
Watching out for all of us, not just at this launch but all of them.
I had all of the lights and the license taken on my brand new trailer at the Forks on the Lewis last fall.
So, add your $.02 to the list

Oct. 2002 - State launch at the forks of the Lewis River
Complete trailer lighting system, plus the license plate

FishFood · 02-25-2004, 06:25 PM

Thanks for this post DS.

I think I've heard you and others say this before but somehow this time it sank in. Note to self--don't leave anything valuable in your vehicle--got it. My problem will be my XM radio that's easy to steal, and a pain to take.

Silver Hilton · 02-25-2004, 06:44 PM

[ 02-25-2004, 09:46 PM: Message edited by: Silver Hilton ]

crabbait · 02-25-2004, 07:02 PM

Gee, do ya think we could can the name calling and off-topic blame placing or do I have to get out the big eraser? [img]graemlins/eek13.gif[/img]

Elwix · 02-25-2004, 07:27 PM

Mark: Even though you didn�t catch those responsible, thanks for taking the time to drive down there and have a look around today.

seabass · 02-25-2004, 11:00 PM

Fishinmission,

I would love to help catch the thiefs. This would be fun.
Only on a weekend though. If I sound too eager... I am. I hate thiefs and have been ripped off too many times.

Dave

Perfect Drift · 02-28-2004, 05:42 PM

Anyone hide in the bushes today?
We need to get these guys
PD

FishinMission · 02-28-2004, 06:49 PM

Not me...Had too many other things going on...like shopping for accessories for the new boat. :grin: But...I may be game a day or two next week. Anybody wanna join me?

Mark

Perfect Drift · 03-03-2004, 06:23 PM

To the top

Fishfaced · 03-03-2004, 08:07 PM

Made a drive by on 3-1 about 11:30 am. Couple of good 'ol boys in the parking lot pulling their boats out and BS'ing. One guy in a late model black chev. truck looked like he was eating his lunch on the other side of the road. Everything looked ok to me.

judyfish99 · 03-03-2004, 09:56 PM

I hope you all catch the buggers! About a year ago, a friend that owns a 22' Marlin parked his trailer across the road with a lock on it. Five days later it was gone. There is some shady people that live in houseboats just east of Kadow's and one of them lives on land. Take a boat trip going east of Kadows and you will see what I mean. Those houseboats have been condemned by Washington State DEQ. The one that is on the West end seems to help himself to stuff off the other housboats. He is the one that runs a generator at nite for power. I was staying in a two story boathouse to clean it up so that the owner could sell it. Is it still there? How about the houseboat next to the east end of the island?

FishingNewbie · 03-04-2004, 07:14 AM

you guys could try a tag-team approach. if you suspect the people who live down the road, stake out their driveway as well. use some good 2 way radios. have someone in the parking lot bushes and if they see someone, besided getting the license, radio the guy down the road with the car description and see if the car goes to that house. if not, they are off the hook. if so, just call it in and they are busted.

judyfish99 · 03-04-2004, 09:21 AM

I haven't been out there for a year, May drive through there on Saturday if I don't have my hair done by my colorist(I hate grey hair on me). I'll be driving an 88 Nissan Pulsar with a grey Sport hatch. Dont pay much attention to the bumper sticker. It sez "Caution-Redhead with PMS" It is to keep tailgaters off my bumper> The sticker in the back window is of Calvin you know what on the word "work" and "gone fish" above him. See Ya!

judyfish99 · 03-04-2004, 10:37 PM

Hey FishinMisson, I'll be down there this coming Saturday. Have a hair appointment with the colorist at 1:30 pm. Plz dont shoot me, I'll be in the red Nissan Pulsar w/grey sporthatch. Got a dented front fender from a concrete post when I forgot was there {pulled a 13 hr shift). Say hi if you can. Thx-judyfish99

FishinMission · 03-04-2004, 11:59 PM

I was there Monday, or Tuesday afternoon for about two hours. Between 11 and 1 p.m. Saw nothing. I think ideally, the best place to watch would be on the island directly across from the parking area. Nobody would be looking in that direction. What do y'all think of that idea?

I took my camcorder last trip there, but from where I was stakin' the place out, the video wouldn't have been too good.

I'll be without a boat in about two weeks..so if I'm not bummin' a ride with someone, i might put in some more surveilance time.

Mark

judyfish99 · 03-05-2004, 04:43 PM

I'll be riding in my red fishing rocket(nissan). My colorist may be with me. Gotta get rid of these grey hairs on my head. [img]graemlins/berry.gif[/img] Went grey early. I'm on my lunch right now, I don't have a boat, so I will be in my car. Only if she decides to go. Haven't been there for over a year. Still got the stinky potty house there at the upper end of the parking lot? If you see me (long auburn red hair) give a shout and wave and I will wave back!

FishinMission · 03-05-2004, 11:20 PM

Judyfish..We'll be there too, but we'll be out on the river watching our rod tips, and not the parking lot. We'll be in a white/silver sled more than likely with the top up and heaters blazing.
You fishin' or staking out the lot?

Mark

[ 03-05-2004, 12:21 PM: Message edited by: FishinMission ]

FishinMission · 03-06-2004, 04:27 AM

We'll probably be takin' out about 1:30 or 2 ish.

Tide's over then, and I got things to do this afternoon...

Mark

judyfish99 · 03-06-2004, 07:20 AM

Geez, that is about time I have my appointment with my colorist. I think your boat has fishin' mission on the side of it? I think I have seen you several times in Oak Grove or Jennings or maybe Meldrums? That's my neighborhood. I hope I can see you from the boat ramp. [img]graemlins/hearton.gif[/img] judyfish99

FishinMission · 03-06-2004, 02:28 PM

Well the boat looks the same, but the "FishinMission" part is gone, as it will have a new owner in a couple of weeks, and I will be boatless til the new one comes.

Mark

03-06-2004, 03:45 PM

Couldn't even see you today. :grin:

kayakfisher · 03-06-2004, 04:24 PM

One of my kids thinks he should go to the boat launches with me...ie pick one and spend essentially the whole day there...watching for break ins, or people who seem to be looking for a car to "hit". His thoughts are that if people want to "sign in" with him he can keep an eye on your rigs while you are out there, and maybe he can charge something for this.

I told him...no charging. If he wants to do it, charging is not likely legal, nor is it ethical in a public parking area ...and then I also discussed such things as taking on legal responsibility to protect someones rig (he cannot really be held responsible, therefore cannot make promises, etc).

On the other hand...if people wanted to tip him...maybe that would be ok...but not obligatory. This also seems like a good way for him to get some hot fishing tips, from the guys coming back with fish.

Therefore the question comes up...if he were to offer such a service, how much would people consider tipping for it if their rigs are in good shape when you get back. This is sort of an odd question, i know, but I also know I would tip for this myself. I also think there is a possibility that a bunch of Ifishers could pick a certain place to park and launch from each day, park close together if possible...and have all the rigs watched by one person...who could then notify you by radio maybe if you are in range, place a cell phone call if possible to both the authorities and the owner, etc. It is also possible to place a video camera on a tripod, very visibly on top of a vehicle, to discourage thieves at a particular location, and if need be to record video of all vehicles coming and going into a lot.

On first suggestion this sounded somewhat impractical, but in a way, it might be a good idea, and a good way to keep at least one lot clean on a given day.

Any thoughts on this theoretical service?

(There is no way I would let my kid do this without a male adult, ie me or a friend of mine, present supervising at all times...therefore this might be a good thing for him, and a not so good thing for me, except that it encourages my kids to consider how to make a buck without being someone else's employee...how to create his own business.)

If this were to catch on I am pretty sure there are ways to expand such a service if it is appreciated and thought to be a good thing.

**Is this a goofy idea, or is this something you guys would appreciate and reward a kid keep an eye on things while you are out there?**

Any comments on this idea are welcomed..if there is interest expressed, he just might give it a trial run, especially if several of you on a given day can pick one place of interest to try it out....

M.

FishinMission · 03-06-2004, 04:49 PM

While it may be a good idea...I think it's more of a scare tactic. While it may avert a break-in, I'd rather have the crooks caught in the act.

Let me ask you this..Is your kid available(along with the adult) during weekdays from say 11 a.m. til 3 p.m.? Me thinks he may be in school. The problem with the break-ins is occurring during the Monday-Friday time frame from 11-3. Not during the weekends, when there's lotsa traffic coming and going.

Nice offer though, but we need to nail these guys in the act.

Mark

[ 03-06-2004, 05:50 PM: Message edited by: FishinMission ]

kayakfisher · 03-06-2004, 07:08 PM

Yup..in school. During summers however.... :smile:

I had no idea the problems days and hours were as you say...I myself cannot get out at those times either. :depressed:

I would repeat one thing however...a good dog left in the car can be a pretty good deterent...but only when the weather is cold enough to leave a dog behind.

I guess one more possibility is to leave NOTHING of value in the car....

PharmDoc · 03-06-2004, 09:25 PM

Perfect drift, You have GOT to be kidding! This is complete BS. This is getting way out of hand. I've been hit three times in the last 10 years. The one thing I've learned is to never, ever, leave anything in sight in a vehicle. As for trailers, boats, and the like, I am beyond words. I legally carry a black Austrian thing chambered for .40 cal as my current solution. Why waste taxpayer money on these scumbags? The once and for all solution saves everyone time and money! Maybe a few examples will send the message that just because most anglers are easygoing folk, we won't sit idly by and be robbed blind.

crabbait · 03-06-2004, 09:33 PM

Unless your life is threatened and you can convince a Grand Jury that you had no other recourse, your "once and for all solution" would likely result in a long prison term plus loss of the right to vote and the right to carry firearms.

Carrying a firearm is a very large responsibility. Abuse it and go to jail.

judyfish99 · 03-06-2004, 11:57 PM

Hi FishinMission, Was there at around 10:30a, thought I saw my friends trailer, but it is too short for his 22 footer. It didn't have the new bow roller on it, either. Warned a few people down at the boat ramp to lock up their rigs and leave nothing valuable in it. Hey, a couple of guys even offered me a ride in thier boat!

Went to check out the old houseboats across from where the east end of the island ends. It sure has changed!! The ramp down was torn out and both houseboats were moved more to the east. Even the two storied tone I worked on. Good News!! My cell works down there.

Needed to let my colorist know I was on my way. (long way to drive for me) Saw a big boat(Wheat Transport?) that was anchored out from the entrance of the east end of the island and a couple of fishing ones. Had to move out and skiddaddle to make it on time. Geeze, it must be awful to not have a boat right now. I also went all the way down to the end of the road and a couple of fishermen were on the bank. Went and got rid of the reversed skunk stripe, ate dinner and did some shopping at Freddies. Ya know, all that Domestic Engineering stuff!

[img]graemlins/hearton.gif[/img] judyfish99