Increase in thefts from boats

Gardaí urge vigilance after year of thefts from boats


Neill O’Neill

AN increase in the number of outboard engines being stolen from boats in Mayo in 2008 has led to Gardaí in the county issuing an appeal to boat-owners to take extra precautions and be vigilant with their property.
Sergeant Tony Cosgrove, Crime Prevention Officer in the Mayo Garda Division, has said that expensive outboard engines are being stolen – even when boats are moored out on the water – and that those responsible most likely have their ‘homework’ done and plan these thefts in advance. He added that many of these engines are very heavy and require more than one person to lift them.
As boats are unoccupied for a great portion of the time, they can be extremely vulnerable to theft, according to Sgt Cosgrove, and extra security precautions should be taken when they are left unoccupied.
He recommends that boat-owners never leave valuables in an unattended boat, and where this is not possible they should be locked in a strong-box which is fixed to the vessel. Similarly, boat owners should make a note of serial numbers of valuables such as outboard engines or radios and photograph them with the owner in the photograph. The Gardaí are also recommending that owners affix their own identifying mark in a concealed place on their engines (use your date of birth and initials, which are unique to you) and never leave the outboard engine on the boat overnight.
“People should be vigilant and be on the look-out for criminals and stolen property when on the water,” Sgt Cosgrove said, “and should never be tempted to buy an outboard engine at a low price as it may be stolen. He also added that having adequate insurance cover in place to cover thefts or vandalism is advisable, and urged people to immediately report any suspicious activity around piers or boat moorings to their local Garda station.