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MARINE THEFTS ON THE RISE

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For Tim Rahn, fishing called him to the island chain, and he has lived in Lower Matecumbe for over 25 years. While fishing was in his blood, the photography part came a little bit later — and by accident. As a lifelong fisherman, Rahn always had his camera ready to capture the fish he reeled in.Rahn, by his own admission, is an old-school kind of guy and not fond of technology. This is a boon for the collector because his photography uses an old-school technique called silver halide. The process of using silver halide started over 150 years ago and is the best way to capture high-quality photographic detail. Silver halide prints are exposed using light instead of ink, digital files instead of film negatives, and a printer instead of a darkroom. His limited edition finished silver halide artwork is then mounted to acrylic with a French cleat.

For Tim Rahn, fishing called him to the island chain, and he has lived in Lower Matecumbe for over 25 years. While fishing was in his blood, the photography part came a little bit later — and by accident. As a lifelong fisherman, Rahn always had his camera ready to capture the fish he reeled in.Rahn, by his own admission, is an old-school kind of guy and not fond of technology. This is a boon for the collector because his photography uses an old-school technique called silver halide. The process of using silver halide started over 150 years ago and is the best way to capture high-quality photographic detail. Silver halide prints are exposed using light instead of ink, digital files instead of film negatives, and a printer instead of a darkroom. His limited edition finished silver halide artwork is then mounted to acrylic with a French cleat.

SHERIFF’S OFFICE OFFERS TIPS TO SECURE BOAT ELECTRONICS

Reports of marine thefts at marinas are rampant in the Upper and Middle Keys. GPS systems and boat electronics are among the items being targeted.

Per the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, these incidents are similar to other property crimes — or what Sheriff Rick Ramsay refers to as crimes of opportunity. The sheriff’s office recently released a host of tips to prevent such snatchings, especially from boats stored at a marina:

Install lighting and surveillance

• Install motion sensors linked to lights. Make sure the property is well-lit.

• Marinas should be conducting daily security checks. Check fencing for openings or damage where burglars can enter the property.

• Ensure security cameras will capture the face of an intruder. Cameras are often installed too high and only capture the top of a suspect’s head or the brim of a hat.

• Link cameras and motion sensors to your Bluetooth devices.

• Cut back foliage burglars could use for cover. Remove natural hiding places.

• Whether on a trailer or in a canal, make sure your boat can be seen by neighbors and/or deputies patrolling the neighborhood.

Keep items secured

• Remove the keys from the boat; if it is on a lift, turn the breaker off in the house to disable it.

• Remove the steering wheel if the boat won’t be used for a long time.

• Install a GPS tracking device on your boat and/or engines.

• Install a boat alarm. Alarms are very effective at preventing equipment and boat thefts.

• Disconnect the batteries to disable the trim/tilt function. Keep the engine down, touching the ground so the lower unit can’t be removed.

If the boat’s on a trailer Chain the rims together or boot one • of the wheels to prevent the entire boat and trailer from being stolen.

• Keep a trailer hitch lock on at all times.

• Back the boat close to a house, wall, or other stationary objects

• Engrave your driver’s license number or make a distinctive marking on your valuable property for identification purposes.

• Take pictures of and record serial numbers.

If you see anything suspicious, call the sheriff’s office immediately. Call 911 if a crime is taking place.

— Contributed

Brad Bertelli

is an author, speaker, Florida Keys historian and Honorary Conch. His latest book, “Florida Keys History with Brad Bertelli, Volume 1,” shares fascinating glimpses into the rich and sometimes surprising histories of the Florida Keys.

One thing I love about my Facebook group

“Florida Keys History with Brad Bertelli” is the comments. The group has attracted thousands of members, many of whom would be considered “old-timers” who were either born in the Keys or moved here as children.

The group allows me to share my knowledge of Monroe County and the Keys and an amazing array of images (thanks mostly to the Key West Library’s Florida Keys History Center).

I started the group in December 2021 as an outlet where I could share a taste of the local history every morning. The response has been overwhelming, and it has blossomed into a group that inspires the exchange of memories, insights and stories of the old days told by those who lived through them. I love it because everyone in the group learns new and fascinating tidbits of history about the Florida Keys — myself included.

Because of the group, and my role as a local historian, I receive many history questions through social media, emails, texts and phone calls, and I try to respond to all of them. Sometimes I have the answers at the tip of my fingers, and sometimes I need to phone a friend or dig into some research, and sometimes time gets away from me, and I forget to follow through, which is why I like to tell people that if they don’t hear back from me in a week or two to reach back out.

Every query affords me the opportunity to learn more about this island chain. While I have acquired a pretty solid foundation of knowledge and will continue to learn about the Keys, there is just way too much out there for anyone to know everything.

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This article is from:

Upper Keys Weekly 23-0518