As temperatures increase, so do ATV thefts

WASILLA - Theives across the Mat-Su Valley are making tracks with ATVs and other items.

About 14 thefts have been reported to area law enforcement this week. By Thursday, Valley residents reported $35,372 in stolen goods and resulting damage, including a golf cart, motor vehicles, diamond rings and entertainment systems. Sarah and Bryan Myers were one of at least two Wasilla families to report an ATV stolen from their backyard on Sunday.

&#8220They drove in here and loaded it up in a truck. I have tire tracks through my lawn,” said Bryan Myers of the 2002 red Honda 450 ATV he can no longer take on hunting trips with his children. &#8220I just feel violated.”

The couple said the ATV was stored under a backyard deck. Bryan said he thought that was a reasonably safe place because his home is in a relatively wealthy Wasilla subdivision where most homeowners also have their own planes. He also owns a $25,000 river boat that wasn't touched.

&#8220I'm not sure why,” Bryan Myers said of the ATV theft. &#8220I'm almost glad they took the four-wheeler and not the boat.”

The heavy chains he uses to keep the boat in place could have been a deterrent, Bryan Myers said.

Sarah Myers initially thought her husband had loaned the ATV out to friends. When he came home from working on the Slope four days later and asked her where it was, she realized too late it had been stolen. It's doubtful the couple will replace the vehicle because they don't have insurance covering recreational vehicle theft.

&#8220I'm just kind of [upset] that people can come over and steal your property,” Sarah Myers said. &#8220It's hard when things you work hard for are just gone like that.”

The Myers said Alaska State Troopers investigating the theft haven't located the ATV. Trooper Sgt. Robert French said ATV and boat thefts are common in the Valley during warm seasons.

&#8220The theft of those items is a big problem because those are so popular,” he said. &#8220We get a lot of these reports. I recommend everyone get their ATV registered at least once.”

French noted that although it's not required, even an expired registration allows law enforcement immediate access to the vehicle identification number, which could save officers critical time when attempting recovery.

The majority of stolen ATVs are never recovered, French said, although they do get some back - even after years gone by. Usually, ATV thefts could be prevented if owners keep their ATVs locked up and out of view.

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to contact AST at 373-8300 or CrimeStoppers at 745-3333.

Contact Hannah Guillaume at 352-2284 or hannahguillaume@yahoo.com.