| With the cost of marine theft reaching 1 million pounds | | | | often offered as extras with new boats. |
| a year in Hampshire alone, boats have become a | | | | Making life difficult for thieves - The more you make |
| lucrative target for thieves. Outboard engines and | | | | life difficult for criminals, the more likely they are to |
| powerboats with trailers are the most commonly | | | | leave your boat alone. A good quality padlock securing |
| stolen, and account for 60% of boat thefts. | | | | all hatches and deck lockers is a simple and effective |
| Simple tips for boat owners - By following these simple | | | | way to secure your boat and deter any potential |
| tips boat owners could deter the majority of thefts | | | | thieves. The main hatch could also be fitted with an |
| themselves. | | | | extra hasp and padlock. Also, ensure hatch handles |
| Tenders - Lock your tender to a pontoon cleat or | | | | cannot be turned and opened from the outside. |
| another strong point using a wire strop and strong | | | | Remove as much loose equipment as possible, |
| padlock. Then either remove or secure the engine, fuel | | | | including sails and pulleys. Anything too big to be stored, |
| tanks, oars and other equipment. | | | | anchors for example, should be secured to something |
| If the pontoon is busy, look elsewhere. An unlocked | | | | secure with wire strops and padlocks. |
| tender is a free ride for criminals. | | | | Covers - Curtains, blinds, shades and covers all protect |
| Locks - Marine equipment can sometimes seem over | | | | your boat by keeping it out of sight. Loose covers on |
| priced, and it can be tempting to invest in a cheap | | | | boats in mooring will attract attention from the police |
| luggage lock. But consider the strength and anti-erosion | | | | and can be a useful long - distance check for the |
| features you will benefit from in the long run. | | | | owner. However, large covers can also hide the |
| A strong piece of wire in a plastic hose should keep | | | | evidence. If items have been stolen, large covers could |
| your outboard and equipment safe, and will cost | | | | hide this as well as the thief themself. |
| around £20 from your local rigger. | | | | Keep your eyes peeled - Regularly go onboard and |
| Trailable vessels - According to the police, if you see a | | | | check your boat. Reporting an incident quickly with a |
| car towing a boat on a trailer after 11pm, there is an | | | | good estimate of when the crime took place can really |
| 80% chance it's been stolen. But still boat owners do | | | | help police with their investigations. Record all serial |
| not take trailer security seriously, despite the fact that | | | | numbers and identify valuable items with a post code. |
| boats on trailers can be worth over £100,000. | | | | Take photographs and log unusual features. |
| Wheel locks will deter a casual thief, but if you're | | | | Report everything - By failing to report a theft you are |
| storing a trailer for any length of time, remove the | | | | preventing the police from getting a clear idea of the |
| trailers wheels and attach an eye bolt secured in | | | | level of crime in your area. Three of four low level |
| concrete. You can then chain the trailer. Some insurers | | | | crimes will show police that there is an active thief on |
| insist on boats more that 17ft and kept on a trailer, | | | | that area. This information can then be used to justify |
| must be locked in a secure building. | | | | extra patrols to keep boats in the area safe. |
| Alarms and tracking systems are also available and | | | | |