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Search forPolice give warning after boat crimewave
Wednesday, September 17, 2008, 09:00
Valuable equipment worth thousands of pounds has been stolen from several boats on the River Fowey, including outboard motors and radio equipment.
The crimes have taken place at night from boats moored at Golant and near Coulson Park in Lostwithiel. Police say the recent spate of incidents on the river is unusual and gives cause for concern. They also hope the public may be able to help them with their inquiries.
Inspector Stuart Gibbons of St Austell police said: "There have been several incidents in the past week and the same people may be behind them.
"We'd like to hear from anyone who has been offered marine equipment for sale which could have been stolen, or from anyone who has information about the crimes and about who may be responsible for them. We'd also like to make people aware of the danger and advise all boat owners to ensure boats are secure and that valuables are where possible kept locked out of the way."
With outboard motors costing from hundreds to thousands of pounds, thefts of marine equipment can mean major financial losses for boat-owners.
And in some cases, if equipment has not been locked safely out of sight, insurers may be unwilling to cover losses.
With the rising cost of diesel, boat owners are in addition being advised to ensure that their fuel is stored safely and securely, and that they make access more difficult for thieves by using locking fuel caps.
Anyone with information about the latest marine thefts on the River Fowey is asked to contact PC Phil Dingle, who is co-ordinating the enquiry, on 08452 777 444.
In the meanwhile the police offer the following advice to boat-owners:
● Don't leave valuables or unused items on display, don't leave keys in the ignition, keep boats locked, and keep boat keys separate from engine keys.
● Fit a proper alarm, keep records of all equipment, including serial numbers, and keep them up to date, mark items with postcodes and take your ship and personal papers when you leave.
● Use strong padlocks or rimlocks on hatches, entry points and cockpit lockers, and think about having a strongbox down below.
● Do a security check before going ashore and make sure liferafts and outboard motors are secure, as they are the most valuable and attractive items to thieves.
● If you are the victim of boat theft, call the police immediately and tell the harbour master or boatyard manager.
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