Perhaps you don't like what they are doing with your pots but you can bet it wasn't the patrol officer's idea to be on crab pot patrol. I have met the guys who work on that boat and I can tell you that they are good guys and avid fishermen. A good rule of thumb, whether you are right or wrong is to treat them with the same courtesy that you would expect to be treated with.
Next point,
Label your gear properly and you'll only have thieves to deal with.
Beeeeeeeeeee