Water Police urge boaties to take precautions and secure vessels
Photo by Senior Constable Erhard, Queensland Police sayt
Regardless of where you are, local police urge all property owners to take some simple precautions to ensure your valuables are safe and sound.
Officer in Charge of the Cairns Water Police, Sergeant Andrew Ibell encourages boaties to take the same approach to vessel and equipment security as they should for home and vehicle security.
Store it when you moor it!
"Thefts from moored or trailered vessels do occur within our area and usually items stolen can easily be transported away from the scene and include fishing or diving equipment, electronics, fuel containers and batteries," Sergeant Ibell said.
"If you cannot secure your trailered vessel within a locked shed or garage while at home or travelling away, where possible, remove all loose items of value from the vessel or lock them within a cabin or storage compartment.
"Likewise if you are leaving your vessel unattended in a marina or anchorage, even for a short time, store valuables securely and place other equipment out of sight.
"Most thefts that occur from vessels are carried out by opportunistic offenders who see the items unsecured and steal them.
"Recently about $7000 worth of fishing, diving and marine equipment was stolen from a vessel that had been left anchored off a local island overnight whilst the owners stayed ashore.
"The marine environment is not exempt from opportunistic thieves. We don’t want your trip ruined either, so please store it when you moor it!"
