Protect your Pool Cleaner

Theft is on the rise for many unsuspecting pool owners in the DFW area.

Automatic pool cleaners in particular have been a hot ticket item this summer.

The thefts seem to be mainly focused around the Fort Worth area, but it is better to be safe than sorry. No one wants to lose their cleaner, especially when prices can range anywhere from $700 to $2,000 for a new one.

There have been at least 17 reports of pool cleaner thefts with one person claiming to have been hit twice by the cleaner thieves. Police have been on the lookout and have made one arrest so far in Southlake.

The most popular brand of cleaner being targeted right now seems to be Polaris. Most thieves have a few things they look for when picking a home or backyard to target, such as open gates and poorly lit areas. Most of the thefts in question have happened late at night.

Below are just a few tips to deter theft in your backyard:

Tips to keep your equipment safe.

• Close and lock all gates.
• Turn on lights in the backyard to keep the area well lit.
• Invest in security cameras.
• Make sure your cameras are working properly.
• Keep a list of all equipment and serial numbers in a safe place.

Cleaners might be the hot ticket item right now, but, with ongoing product and raw material shortages, it may not be long before other pieces of pool equipment or maybe even your outdoor furniture become the target. Following these tips can help keep everything in your backyard safe.