Boat and engine theft - Donegal gardaí issue advice to protect property

Reports of stolen marine equipment - particularly boat engines - are unfortunately all too regular an occurrence in Donegal. 

Gardaí say that spring and summer bring increased reports of theft of boats, boat trailers, outboard motors and electronic/safety equipment.

A garda spokesperson said: “There are measures that can be taken to protect your valuable property and reduce the risk of theft. By improving your security measures, you will greatly reduce your risk of falling victim to a crime.”

An Garda Síochána Crime Prevention division has issued an information sheet on boat securing and equipment. 

They say that boats and boating equipment are particularly susceptible to theft because they are easily moved. 

As well as boats, engines and trailers, equipment such as Sat-Nav systems, VHF radio, and binoculars are also stolen. 

“A lot of boat crime is opportunistic by nature,” the advice reads. 

“There are several measures that can be taken to provide adequate security precautions to protect your valuable property and reduce the risk of theft. Although boat insurance is essential, it is not a substitute for improved security.”

Steps which gardaí advice boat owners to take in order to reduce risk include:

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 removing a boat trailer wheel when parked up.

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 it 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. 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. 

Close cabin curtains before leaving your boat moored or parked, preventing passers-by from viewing cabin contents or layout. 

Remove all equipment from your boat and keep it locked and out of sight elsewhere. 

Make sure your boat is checked regularly. If the boat is left for long periods of time, ensure that someone else is able to check on your boat. 

Secure outboard motors to immovable objects around the marina using quality locks and chains. 

At home 

Where possible reverse a boat with an outboard engine close to a wall or building to make it more difficult to lift the engine off. 

Keep the boat and trailer out of sight of the road and the engine out of public view. 

Ensure the trailer hitch is not easily accessible. 

Park another vehicle or other large object in front of the trailer to obstruct its removal. Consider installing ground or wall anchors for this purpose. 

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. 

Photograph and Record 

Take digital colour photographs of your outboard motor and boat from various angles, show markings, scratches etc. 

Make a record of your boat and equipment including make, model and serial number. Serial numbers may be in different locations for different engines. 

Record the chassis number of your trailer. Keep a master copy of this record at home and a copy on board as a checklist. 

Email photographs and checklist to your web mail address always ensuring an uploaded version is available. 

Permanently mark or engrave your boat, outboard engine and equipment with the hull identification number or other unique number. 

Note all damage, scratches, dents etc. 

Selling your boat 

You should be cautious when selling your boat. Thieves, posing as buyers, have been known to use false identities and documentation. 

With private sales you should consider the following: 

-Check the identity of the buyer - look for photo id. 

-Verify the address – look for utility bills etc. 

-If the buyer is paying by cheque, draft or money order, verify that it is valid and that sufficient funds are available. 

-Do not hand over the boat or ownership documents until the cheque, draft or money order has cleared – you can always arrange to deliver it yourself after a given period. 

Buying a Boat 

Caveat Emptor, buyer beware. That bargain may well have been stolen. Consider the following advice when buying a boat or equipment: 

-Always buy from a reputable boat dealer. 

-Never agree to arrangements to buy second hand boats or equipment in car parks or other public areas. If you are meeting at a house, check that it is the seller’s house. 

-Ask the seller whether the boat has any extra security features e.g. alarm, tracking device, safe, hitch lock or wheel clamp. 

Always check for the following: 

-Proof of seller’s identity and address. 

-That the trailer chassis number or other identification numbers have not been removed or altered. 

-That all keys are available and correct. 

-The number plate on the trailer is the same as the car towing the trailer. 

Gardaí say that this advice is not intended to be exhaustive or absolute, is not to be interpreted as mandatory, obligatory or designed to conflict with any statutory regulations.