Snowboard Thefts A Winter Nuisance

NEW HARTFORD - Skiing and snowboarding equipment are by no means cheap, so it's no surprise that winter sports enthusiasts have been annoyed in recent weeks, as three snowboards have been stolen from young patrons at Ski Sundown.

Many times skiers and snowboarders will leave their equipment unattended and unsecured when in the lodge or other on-site facilities. Bob Switzgable, Ski Sundown owner, does not recommend this practice.

"Its unfortunate that people steal and it's just always best to never assume that your equipment is safe and to lock it up, he said. "We remind people to lock up their equipment - it's important. We do sell ski locks in our ski shop. There are racks for the skis and snowboards and you can attach a lock and cable right to the rack and to your equipment."

As for other preventative measures Sundown is taking against equipment thefts, Switzgable would only say that there is a loss prevention program in place, but he would not give specific information.

"We are taking active measures and we do have specific people in place to prevent that."

While it is impossible for on-site staff to verify who belongs to what equipment, Switzgable said that one person was recently caught stealing property. "We did catch one guy and things seem to have stopped. Maybe he was our culprit."

Aside from the rash of equipment thefts, Ski Sundown is enjoying a busy season so far and is looking forward to the remainder of the winter. With many events and activities planned, Switzgable is confident that the 2007-08 season will be a success.

"So far it is going very well. We are off to a terrific start. Mother Nature has been very cooperative and it sounds like we are getting more [snow] this week."