GPS Tracking Leads Sheriffs to Suspected Boat Chop Shop

6 Apr 2017

You may have heard of a boat chop shop. A boat chop is where thieves steal trailers and boats in order to sell off the parts. And it’s a growing trend.

For example, the Sheriff’s Department in Sumter, SC charged six people with allegedly stealing a 4-wheeler and trailer. The vehicle was equipped with a GPS tracking device, which led police on a trail to what they believed to be a chop shop operation involving motors, boats and trailers.

Following the GPS tracker, police were led to an address where they then made some arrests. Police claimed that they were able to find a great deal of stolen items from another address where a few thieves were able to exchange a stolen bag (camouflage) that had items for methamphetamine worth $100 in it.

After police raided the home, they found a motor, boat and trailer which was already reported as stolen and other trailers, boats and items with altered serial numbers.

The two thieves were given a larceny charge for allegedly stealing the camouflage bag. They were given a grand larceny charge for the trailer and 4-wheeler theft.

One of the thieves was charged with receipt of the bag filled with stolen goods, receipt of $10,000 or more of stolen goods as well as operating the chop shop. The other was charged with pot and methamphetamine possession.

Many people don’t realize they are even able to have GPS tracking for boats or GPS tracking for watercrafts. These GPS devices are similar to what are used in automobiles but are made for small pleasure or personal boats and watercrafts. What’s more, they don’t realize these devices can actually give them the same benefits as they get with their cars.

When GPS tracking  is installed on a boat, it can help police trace and locate the boat in a matter of minutes if it is stolen. And, having GPS tracking for boats looks good to insurance companies which will often offer discounts to customers who have these tracking devices on board.

If you aren’t utilizing GPS tracking for your boat, now is a good time to look into it. If you have a boat or watercraft, you may want to talk with your insurance company about a discount on your insurance premiums if you do have a GPS tracking device for your boat.

Related Posts:


George Karonis

About George Karonis

George Karonis is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of LiveViewGPS Inc., a company he established in 2008 with the vision of making real-time GPS tracking more reliable, affordable, and accessible for businesses of all sizes. Over the past two decades, he has built a reputation as an innovator in GPS tracking, fleet management, asset monitoring, and Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PTToC) communications. Under George's leadership, LiveViewGPS has grown into a nationally recognized provider of GPS tracking solutions, serving businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, law enforcement organizations, and public works departments throughout the United States. The company's technology helps organizations improve operational efficiency, protect valuable assets, increase driver safety, and reduce operating costs through real-time location intelligence. Before founding LiveViewGPS, George developed a background in security, surveillance, and emerging location technologies. His passion for innovation and practical problem solving has driven the development of products that combine dependable hardware with easy-to-use cloud software, giving customers actionable information when it matters most. In 2018, George expanded into nationwide Push-to-Talk over Cellular communications by launching PeakPTT, providing businesses with rugged, instant communication solutions that operate over LTE and Wi-Fi networks. His focus has remained the same throughout his career: delivering dependable technology backed by exceptional customer service and long-term customer relationships. George regularly writes about GPS tracking, fleet management, asset protection, business technology, and communication systems. Through this blog, he shares industry insights, practical advice, and emerging trends to help organizations make informed decisions about tracking technology and connected operations.

Comments are closed.

Search Our Blog

About Live View GPS

We specialize in real time GPS tracking systems. GPS tracking, GPS monitoring and management for vehicles, assets, equipment, property and persons. Whether your needs are consumer or commercial based, personal or business related we have a cost effective GPS tracking solution for you. Locate in real-time and on demand vehicles, people and property from any web based computer. View these locations on our systems integrated maps. Our GPS devices are the real deal, they are tested and proven, they work.

© 2007-2026 LiveViewGPS Inc