Dear Gene,
I understand that you are the Editor and Publisher of Coastal Angler Magazine for the Miami and Fort Lauderdale area. I am writing to you in hopes of soliciting your assistance in a cause that I am spearheading.
In April, my new Garmin GPS was stolen from my boat. After the theft, I wondered why my GPS did not have security measures such as: 1) passcodes required upon start up 2) the integration of tracking devices/systems to find stolen GPS units and 3) the ability to remotely disable stolen GPS units. After all, my iPhone has passcode and tracking features and the OnStar system in my truck allows my windows to be unlocked or the engine to be shut down remotely.
I have commenced an effort to bring this issue to the attention of Garmin, Raymarine, Furuno and Simrad through the launching of my Facebook page (Marine Electronics Industry) Stop the GPS Thefts! I’m trying to spread the word on this effort amongst the members of the boating and fishing community so that, together, we can urge the marine electronics industry to make their GPS units more secure from theft.
I have been in communications with several representatives of the aforementioned companies, all of whom have been receptive to having a dialogue on this issue. Some have even indicated to me that they already have some ideas in the works to make their units more secure.
I would appreciate any help you could be in bringing awareness of this cause. It is very rare when consumers of a product have the opportunity to influence the conduct of the manufacturer. This opportunity now exists and I could use as much support I can from the boating and fishing community.
If your readers are not on Facebook, they can email me at bmarx@marlowadler.com so I can tell them how they can help.
Very truly yours,
Bruce Marx
Dear Bruce,
Thank you for taking time to send us a letter regarding your efforts to stop the theft of marine electronics. Unfortunately, marine related thefts have become far too common in South Florida. For the record, I fully support your cause and am happy to help in any way that I can. I plan to bring this issue to our Corporate Editor so that we can gain more exposure for your cause. I look forward to speaking with you soon.
Best regards,
Gene