Golf cart stolen from Spanish Springs
 

A Village of Rio Grande man is hoping for a break in the case of his golf cart stolen Saturday evening at Spanish Springs Town Square.
Joey Bartley had parked the golf cart behind TooJay’s and had dinner at Gator’s Dockside. When he returned to the parking lot at 8:40 p.m., the golf cart was gone. It is a 1997 silver Yamaha with black roll-down sides. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Lady Lake Police Department at 751-1560.

why would anyone want an 18 year old golf cart?

Hmmm. Remember the "kid", a forty something villager who was running a golf cart chop shop a couple of years ago?

They got him. Note to thieves, Don't MESS with old people.

There was a recent theft of one in Summerfield Walmart. The surveillance tape showed a truck with trailer hauling it away. Also one at Publix on 466. This one had accidentally left the keys in the ignition. Definitely a time to be vigilant about your golf cart. Maybe even time to consider some sort of locking mechanism for the steering column?

If anyone ever steals my golf cart, the description would include "used bolt cutters to cut a large chain".

Because it was there.

Z

If the owner took good care of the cart, the thief probably did not know it was 18 years old.

Is valet parking the solution?

Did the guy leave the key in the switch? That is the first question to ask.

Yeah, the person that took the cart saw the key and decided if the key is in the ignition it is for anyone's use...they probably use similar logic when they shoplift at stores. It's not the thief's fault...

That is why everyone should lock up everything they own. Lock your hose bibs on the outside of the house (water is expensive in the Villages!). Lock your golf cart (I suggest a cable or chain that goes thru all 4 wheels, thru steering wheel, wrap around the axle, and wrap around each roof post, and attach to fire hydrant or similar), Lock down outdoor flower pots (pour concrete anchor and chain them to that), Lock your outdoor grill to patio (don't forget the gas bottle if there is one).

Locking stuff up will help prevent some thief from getting the idea; it is your fault he is stealing your stuff.

LOL, I see your humor. This isn't Miami where I grew up and worked. A couple of golf carts stolen now and then, compared with the thousands in TV, isn't a crime wave. Get into the habit, if you don't already, to take your keys with you when you leave your cart or automobile and keep your door locked when you are home.

This was a one-way valet.

Two-way valet costs more.

Golf cart keys are not like auto keys. You would only need a small selection of keys to start any cart. Better option is a hidden kill switch. That will not help if they have a trailer. If they want it they will get it. Me I would go for a high cost custom cart and ship it out of state.

Key setups depend on the age and manufacturer of the cart. Some carts (especially those that are designed as Neighborhood Electric Vehicles) now come standard with uniquely keyed ignition switch. The key/ignition looks and operates just like an auto. Others also offer the same feature as an upgrade.

Either way it is a good idea. :thumbup:


You are right about theft by trailer. That's one reason for good insurance coverage.

Don

Simple way to defeat crooks. Turn the wheel full counter or clockwise then install "The club" on the steering wheel. If they try to push it on a trailer it will only go in a tight circle. Can't drive it cause the club won't allow them to steer it. I still own 2 clubs from the 70's. Work great on my hot rods !

Can you still buy The Club? I think I have one (somewhere) but doubt I can find the keys. There are so many carts to choose from I am not worried and I do have insurance.

Yup, just did a search. Still available online, still red.

I believe in taking my keys with at all times. If I were to be in the squares for any appreciable length of time, I would hit the kill switch.

Might not stop a theft but would not make a real easy theft and they might go onto, the next cart.

A club sounds like a good idea but it seems like too much work and I also have insurance.

No, it is not Miami.

If it was, they would provide the public announcements in Spanish first and the cashier at the grocery store would look at you as if you are the "enemy" (and every other place you would need assistance as a customer).

Most struggle to see my humor on here, I wonder if they believe my humor makes them look foolish. :duck:

Wow. It's been a Long time since I heard about The Club. Thanks for the reminder.

I don't know about The Club's working great. There is a reason why you don't see The Club advertised any more. It really doesn't work that well.

See, e.g., The Buster: Automotive Steering Wheel Lock Remover or use liquid nitrogen. But it is better than nothing and may cause an amateur thief or joyrider to steal somebody else's golf cart instead of yours; so it is probably worthwhile using.

Wow, I'm exhausted just reading that....lol

If they want to steal it it will go , the ignition keys are easily bypassed, if you leave your keys in the ignition that's just silly!
By percentage the amount of carts stolen is very low

:a20:You're right! Just as you can't fix stupid, you really can't fix dishonest; felons will always find a way to rationalize their crimes...it's never their fault!

A golf cart could be lifted or dragged onto a truck, key not necessary. But I still would not leave a key in any vehicle. No sense making it any easy target.