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On 27 Aug 2005 15:46:44 -0700, wrote (with
possible editing):

I went to my boat today to tie up for any surge from Katrina and found
for the second time that kids have been aboard smoking pot. They do
not steal anything or do any damage but they do leave butts and ashes.
This time one left a T-shirt which could be used to ID them if I was
really interested. The first time I think they got aboard by me
leaving the combo lock unlocked (you have to spin the tumblers and I
forget). This time I think they actually removed the hasp but
carefully replaced the screws when they left. Security at the dock is
minimal and would be difficult to enforce. I do not want to get them
in trouble for the pot smoking and do not really want to get them in
trouble for using my boat while doing no damage. However, they could
get hurt being stoned and stupid so I want them to never come back. I
left two notes for them telling to leave my boat but I do not think
they will see them because they do not turn on any lights. I'll
replace the lock and hasp tomorrow but wonder if anyone else has any
suggestions for a way to warn them without hurting them.

For what it's worth, I think the issue of prosecution isn't really
central to you. No opinion, and I won't get into a battle. I think
what you are really concerned with is damage to your boat.

First of all, I believe the advice that gave you is
spot on. You need to keep a copy of the incident report on your boat.
The Coast Guard has made drug interdiction a large part of their
mission and you never know when you will become a random target.

Second, what access do you have to power? You could mount a low light
cctv camera high up on a mast and aim it at the cockpit. With a small
recorder with or without a motion detector; it would likely give you a
picture of the offenders sufficient to identify them. Certainly a
motion detector would give false positives as a boat is always moving,
but it would work. After the storm (good luck, btw) you might rig
this up.

Best,
--

Larry
Email to rapp at lmr dot com