A few days ago (May 31ish), a basket was stolen from Plainview, Texas' Running Water Draw Park. The basket was purchased by the local Rotary Club and installed by the City of Plainview. They are just starting this couse and they've already had baskets damaged, tee pads damaged, and a basket stolen. This is sooooo frustrating for all involved who spent much time and effort in just getting the course where it is today. So, disc golf friends, please put out your feelers and let's try to stop (all) this theft. The basket is nearly new (only in the ground about a month), is a Mach IV, and did have the circle mounted on top ("11"). PM me with any leads. They might put a reward for leads for return of the basket.

Thanks to each of you who read this thread with interest in help in getting back a basket for one of OUR disc golf courses. I was told that the basket was in fact found damaged, but intact, stuffed under some large evergreens in the park. Repairs were made and it has been returned to it's rightfull place....Hole 11 sleeve in the midst of three upright evergreen trees on the edge of a berm. Again thanks for your monitoring. (see Affiliated Club, Lubbock Windriders, Plainview for misc info on this new 'complete' 18 course).

How was the basket stolen? Wondering to see if there is anything we could do to prevent future problems. Was the lock cut, not locked, hack saw, ...?

From what I was told was that a crowbar or similar was used and they broke the lock. I got larger locks installed in attempt to prevent similar (a few years ago). On another course I had the baskets slip onto poles and then used a 'slip-pin-lock' through the basket and the pole (like several of the courses in the KC area). But, I had one of those stolen also (city did not put lock where I suggested).

From what I was told was that a crowbar or similar was used and they broke the lock. I got larger locks installed in attempt to prevent similar (a few years ago). On another course I had the baskets slip onto poles and then used a 'slip-pin-lock' through the basket and the pole (like several of the courses in the KC area). But, I had one of those stolen also (city did not put lock where I suggested).

So it sounds like an investment in a good lock is what is needed. Most courses I played also have the locks buried so a would-be thief cannot even see an opportunity. I know it is probably impossible to make it 100% thief proof but information about deterrents and what locks work better is nice. Also info on what does not work is a benefit. Maybe a collection of all tips about how to protect baskets would make a nice little post.

I will start:

-When using a combination lock on the basket use a different code than 1234

Use cut resistant circular locks.
Weld basket & chain assembly to pole.
Lattice some rebar where the concrete will be poured for the sleeve before pouring to prevent 'yank outs'.
Fill pole with rebar & concrete to help prevent cutting of the pole.

If someone wants your baskets they will get them. I had a lock on a basket and couldn't find the key. I put a chisel into the loop and hit it twice and it came unlocked. I had bought 8 new master locks and had one in my truck. Some guy at work had a lock pick kit and I asked him if he could unlock a padlock. He did it under a minute. My son worked as a locksmith and said he can pick any lock with his tools as well as any car in the US. Locks keep honest people honest.

Add these two Mach III's to the list. Stolen from Weatherford Tx on Sat night, June 20th

Hole 18, satndard Mach III with red number 18 on number plate, and the practice basket, standard Mach III with the DGA logo on number plate.

Please keep an eye out for them, along with Hole 2 from Arcadia and a couple more baskets from Saginaw.