subject: How To Avoid Boat Theft And Waterfront Burglary [print this page] Just because you're on a boat doesn't mean you are safe from thieves; many crimes take place on the water so don't leave your valuables, or your not-so-valuables on display. Some people mistakenly think that thieves only go after Rolex watches and jewelry, but the truth is that thieves will steal anything they have access to and will worry about its value later.
Don't leave your boat's engine key in the ignition when you leave the boat, always take it with you. Thieves are opportunistic and will steal something s large as a boat should the opportunity arise.
If no one is on board, lock the boat, and keep it locked whenever it is unattended.
Regularly check and improve the security on your boat. Make sure your hatches and lockers have strong padlocks securing them. Outfit the boat with a security alarm or at least get a sticker that says the boat is alarm equipped.
Consider having a strongbox below deck. If you don't think something is completely secure, get it fixed right away.
Before going ashore, lock up all your valuables in a secure locker with a strong padlock, being sure to lock up emergency money away from your other valuables. If you have a cabin, keep the curtains closed so no one can look inside and survey what might be worth stealing. Put unused ropes and other items out of sight.
Secure your life raft and outboard motor so they cannot easily be removed; these items are valuable and are very attractive to thieves, especially if they can easily remove them.
When you use a dinghy to go ashore, always remove the paddles or oars as well as they rowlocks or the pump and tie up the dinghy with a strong chain and a heavy duty padlock.
Be very careful about who you give your marina access card or key to. Choose only one or two people who you know you can trust, and let them know that you do not want them to give the key or card to anyone else.
Keep an eye on your boat as well as other boats in the marina and get to know the other boats and their owners. Work together to keep the marina secure. Agree to keep an eye on each other's boats, to report any strangers to the harbormaster or yardmaster, keep the marina gate closed and to not let strangers into the marina, however genuine they may seem (con artist thieves are very convincing).
One more tip: for your own personal safety, have one or more self-defense products on your boat such as pepper spray or mace, a personal alarm, a taser or stun gun, and absolutely have an air horn to attract attention and summon help in case of assault.
By taking precautions, you can enjoy your time on the water without having it spoiled by a burglary or assault.
by: Jenna Rice
welcome to Insurances.net (https://www.insurances.net)
