Self Help Security
These are ideas and tips which members of PHW have used themselves, hope they prove helpful to you.
We well know the saying that if, “A determined thief wants something, he will get it” BUT we wouldn’t leave our homes unlocked with a notice on the door saying, “No one’s at home.” Unfortunately, our boats on a swinging mooring or even in a large marina, with no obvious sign of movement we’re part way there. The following tips are gleaned from experiences and advice from Marine Police Officers and security experts. They are aimed at preventing theft and deterring thieves.
Secure your equipment
You will have to weigh up for yourselves how you manage this. Obviously the very best way is to strip the boat every time you use it. I know this is impracticable so you, like me, will have to decide what you take home. The other consideration is should a boat be locked?
A boat owning Police Officer once told me he takes what he can off the boat and leaves cabin doors unlocked, his theory being that a determined thief will get in no matter how good a lock is supposed to be, the subsequent damage caused can be immense. You have to decide for yourselves which course of action to take but bear in mind any insurance implications this may have. Discuss this with your insurers and base your final decisions on their advice.
We know that the first stage in a theft is often when the moored boats are approached by seemingly innocent activities around the moorings. Easily visible and often valuable equipment is like dropping wonderful fresh bait across the nose of a 10lb Sea Bass. If items have to be left on board try to keep them well from sight, the Bass you may want to attract, the thieves NO!
Deterrents Do Work.
Alarms
Let’s start with alarms. Alarms go from the cheap to medium priced systems right up to and including satellite tracking systems, all one way or other can be a useful deterrent. Experimenting with the position of the PIR sensor is important, particularly on a boat, wave motion and reflections can set them off but overall they are worth having. Pressure pads might be the answer, linked to a powerful siren and if possible a flashing strobe. The choice is yours; the variety of alarm products is considerable. You have to make the choice regarding how much you want to spend.
In order for the deterrent effect to work warning signs will need to be displayed. If these signs carry the name of a well known company so much the better.
Engine Locks
Good quality marine engine locks for outboards is an essential. The bottom line is, if a thief wants a small outboard he will remove the one easiest to steal quickly. A lock will be a deterrent, but the type and quality are again considerable, remember they are required to operate in a saltwater environment. Don’t be fooled that a bike type cable lock is sufficient. Bolt cutter demolish them in seconds.
Beware! Locks, good and bad may all carry a label, suitable for marine use, but not necessarily able to cope with the salt water. The outboard lock is obtainable from chandlers, it’s two stainless steel sections which clamp together over the clamps of the engine. Of the other locks two have extended shackle (or shank). One is a high quality, expensive lock but both are more vulnerable because of the openness of the shackle. The third is better but may not be easily fitted.
Security Marking
There are a number of products on the market which not only act as a deterrent but as a means of identifying stolen items. These indelible markings can be simply read by the police whenever stolen property is discovered, or during visits to markets or boat jumbles. Stolen property can then be returned to its rightful owner. Future prosecutions are much more likely due to this simple measure.
Smartwater and Datatag are well-known manufacturers of this type of product.
Suggested ways of applying this product are shown in the pictures. Application to propellers is also advised. Tests on one of the Police boats has shown that applied to the blades is not useful but applying it into the exhaust port has lasted over two years. Their warning stickers which are included in the kit have proved fade free and secure for over two years also.
Engraving I.D. or Postcode
Engraving with a cheap battery powered tool can be useful also. Think how difficult it is to prove that a small boat, for instance a Poole Canoe, is yours. A boat like this can easily be repainted over night. This, for example, was done here in Poole as recently as November 2012 If you engrave your postcode in a place that is not easily seen, but you know where it was positioned, you and the police can then easily identify your marking in the event of a subsequent theft. Outboards can also be marked and/or engraved in places difficult to see or be removed, again identification becomes easier.
Photograph your Vessel
Not just a nice picture of the boat on the water but close up on details of the boat that make it easy for identification. Modern small digital cameras normally focus very close up, small marks or work you have carried out on equipment acts almost like tattoos or birthmarks. (One engine was recovered and identified by the police because the owner was able to tell the officer where he had used electrical ties.) Four examples of items unique to this boat. Unique bow roller with sand hopper wheel Damaged stern Engine and ladder.
Your Trailer
Remember all of the above for your trailer also. If you have spent a considerable amount of money on a trailer, it’s obviously worth stealing. Your insurance company will insist on a wheel clamp, here’s where you once again have a choice. You can obtain them for as little as £22, for that you can say you conformed to the insurance requirements, large bolt cutters or battery powered grinders remove them in a very short space of time. The best ones are heavy and sometimes difficult to fit but worth the effort. Also remember to use it! Baiter or other Harbour launch sites are easy.
