by: Robert Young

Thieves are always on the lookout for easy targets. Don't make yourself an easy target. Always follow these simple steps.

- Never leave anything valuable on display, however small and insignificant it may seem. Thieves steal first and think about value later.

- Don't leave anything loose in the cockpit or on deck.

- Don't leave your engine key in the ignition - always take it with you.

- Keep your boat keys separate from your engine keys.

- Always keep your boat locked when no one is on board, even for a short time.

- Use strong padlocks or rim locks on all your hatches, entry points, and cockpit lockers.

- Constantly check and improve the security on your boat. It's a good idea to fit an alarm and use a visible sticker to say that one is fitted.

- Make sure your cockpit lockers can be properly locked and check that your main hatch and fore-hatch are strong.

- Think about having a strong box down below. If you don't think something is secure, get it fixed.

IMPROVE YOUR SECURITY

Once you've tied up alongside, always do a quick security check before going ashore.

Always:

- Lock anything valuable out of sight in a strong locker secured by a strong padlock.

- Lock up emergency money away from other valuables.

- Keep your curtains closed so that no one can look in.

- Keep unused ropes, fenders, and other items out of sight in your cockpit, lockers, and cupboards - and always lock them.

- Make sure that your life raft and outboard motor are secure as these are valuable and attractive to boat thieves.

- When you go ashore from a dinghy, always remove your oars or paddles, rowlocks, or pump, and secure the dinghy with a strong chain and padlock.

- If you are the victim of boat theft, call the police immediately and tell the harbormaster or boatyard manager. Check to make sure that your boat is still seaworthy and hasn't been badly damaged.

- If you can, check that neighboring boats haven't been broken into as well.

- Get to know other boat owners in your marina and work together to keep the marina secure.

You Can Do The Following:

- Keep an eye on other boats, as well as your own.

- Report any strangers at the marina to the harbormaster or yardmaster.

- Don't give your marina access card or key to other people.

- Never tell anyone else the access code to the marina.

- Don't let strangers into the marina, however genuine they may seem.

- Keep the marina gate closed at all times.

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