Boats and boating equipment are at greater risk of being stolen because they are easily movable.Regularly each year boats, boat trailers, outboard motors, electronic and safety equipment are stolen, e.g.Sat-Nav, VHF radio and binoculars. A lot of boat crime is opportunistic by nature.
The Garda National Crime Prevention Unit has given several measures that can be taken to provide adequate security precautions to protect your valuable property and reduce the risk of theft.They are as follows
Locking
- Use a quality padlock on exterior boat hatches. A variety of small locks and clasps are available to secure all window types. Sliding windows can be secured by placing a length of timber in the track to prevent the window being forced open.
- Use a high quality security hitch lock on the boat trailer.
- Use a high quality chain and lock to secure the trailer to a fixed object.
- Consider using a secure wheel clamp or removinga boat trailer wheel when parked
Storage
- If possible store your boat in a locked garage or secure boat storage facility.
- If your boat is kept in the water, use a marina with full time security and good lighting.
- Ensure CCTV and exterior lights in the marina are working properly and all security recording is of good quality
- Take the outboard engine away and store in a safe place when not in use.
- Plastic covers are available to replace the cowling cover when the boat is not in use.
- If unknown people arrive in a marina, talk to them to establish their Bona Fides.
Alarms/Boat Tracking/Security Devices
• Security devices installed on boats should be resistant to water, salt and humidity. Alarms and immobilisers should be regarded as enhancements to good physical security/locking systems.
• Consider installing an alarm system designed for boats, include a smoke detector if the boat has an enclosed cabin.
• Put ‘alarm stickers’ on your boat e.g. ‘Alarm Installed – Do Not Tamper’.
• Consider the use of a GPS tracking device for your outboard engine that meets your requirements and budget. The use of satellite tracking systems has proved very effective in recovering stolen vehicles.
• Consider installing one or more kill switches in concealed locations
Mooring/Parking
Whilst moored ensure that you do not leave the keys in the ignition or leave engine idling unattended. Boat theft is much easier if a thief can hitch up to your boat and trailer and drive away.Don’t be afraid to call 999 or 112 if you see any suspicious activity.