This stolen Honda boat engine taken from Inver
Local Gardaí in Donegal have requested residents in coastal areas and owners of boats and pleasure craft to take steps to safe guard their boats, engines and equipment.
Sgt Paul Wallace Divisional Crime Prevention Officer for Co. Donegal told Donegal Daily today: “Analysis shows that the summer months are the peak time for the theft of boats and outboard engines in Ireland. 113 Marine items were stolen in the jurisdiction with only 4% of items ever recovered over the summer period of 2015.
“The methods employed by the criminal in such thefts are varied. Items are stolen from dwellings as well as coastal areas and inland waterways. Many engines are stolen from boats while moored and can be taken away by road or water, with little or no security preventing the thefts’.
“All boats have a 12 or 14 digit alpha numeric code on the stern of the boat called a HIN (Hull identification Number).
“This may be stamped, embossed or engraved onto the hull dependant on the surface.
“Engines can vary in size from 4hp all the way up to 400 hp.”
Points of identification, the transom serial number and the power head or engine serial number.
Advice:
1. Take a colour photograph of Boat engine and trailer..
2. Record the Make Model & Serial number. Serial numbers are in different locations for the different engines so ask where to find it when you purchase the engine.
3. Put your own markings on the engine.
4. Plastic covers are available to replace the cowling cover when the boat is not in use.
5. Insure on the engine. Most insurance companies have specific Marine Sections.
6. There are also GPS tracking devices available for outboard engines.
7. If possible take engine away when not in use.
8. If parked on the trailer, try to reverse it close to a building which may make it difficult to take off the engine.
9. Keep alert for movements of persons who are unknown around the pier or marina, not the type of vehicle and registration number.
10. Make use of the Community Text Alert scheme in your area.
11. Always report thefts to Gardaí no matter how small.
24 / 7 District Headquarters Stations in Coastal Areas:
• Buncrana : 074-93-20540.
• Milford : 074-91-53114.
• Ballyshannon: 071-98-58530.
• Letterkenny 074-91-67100
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