How To Keep Your Boat From Being Burglarized

Thieves are always on the lookout for easy targets.- Keep your curtains closed so that no one can look
Don't make yourself an easy target. Always followin.
these simple steps.- Keep unused ropes, fenders, and other items out
- Never leave anything valuable on display, howeverof sight in your cockpit, lockers, and cupboards - and
small and insignificant it may seem. Thieves steal firstalways lock them.
and think about value later.- Make sure that your life raft and outboard motor
- Don't leave anything loose in the cockpit or on deck.are secure as these are valuable and attractive to
- Don't leave your engine key in the ignition - alwaysboat thieves.
take it with you.- When you go ashore from a dinghy, always
- Keep your boat keys separate from your engineremove your oars or paddles, rowlocks, or pump,
keys.and secure the dinghy with a strong chain and
- Always keep your boat locked when no one is onpadlock.
board, even for a short time.- If you are the victim of boat theft, call the police
- Use strong padlocks or rim locks on all yourimmediately and tell the harbormaster or boatyard
hatches, entry points, and cockpit lockers.manager. Check to make sure that your boat is still
- Constantly check and improve the security on yourseaworthy and hasn't been badly damaged.
boat. It's a good idea to fit an alarm and use a visible- If you can, check that neighboring boats haven't
sticker to say that one is fitted.been broken into as well.
- Make sure your cockpit lockers can be properly- Get to know other boat owners in your marina and
locked and check that your main hatch andwork together to keep the marina secure.
fore-hatch are strong.You Can Do The Following:
- Think about having a strong box down below. If- Keep an eye on other boats, as well as your own.
you don't think something is secure, get it fixed.- Report any strangers at the marina to the
IMPROVE YOUR SECURITYharbormaster or yardmaster.
Once you've tied up alongside, always do a quick- Don't give your marina access card or key to other
security check before going ashore.people.
Always:- Never tell anyone else the access code to the
- Lock anything valuable out of sight in a strongmarina.
locker secured by a strong padlock.- Don't let strangers into the marina, however
- Lock up emergency money away from othergenuine they may seem.
valuables.- Keep the marina gate closed at all times.