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Towards Strategic Guidance for the Solent - Safety Chapter |
No figures are yet available for 1995, but in 1994 the total value of stolen Marine property was £1.25 million. Indications are that the 1995 figure may be slightly lower, but it is difficult to give an accurate forecast.
These figures include theft of actual vessels, equipment from vessels and also marine property stolen from elsewhere other than harbours and marinas etc. (E.g. Boats on trailers from owners gardens).
From time to time different areas tend to be hit harder than others, but the overall picture is that where the most number of craft are moored, is where there is the highest level of crime, i.e. Hamble, Lymington, Southampton and Chichester Harbour. There is nothing to suggest that any one type of mooring is more vulnerable, although those marinas employing 24 hour security tend to have a better record.
The most commonly stolen items are electronic equipment (radios, navigators, echo sounders etc.), outboard motors and trailed sports boats.
Key authorities for regulation
A. Hampshire Constabulary Marine Unit
B. Coastal Sub-Divisions of Hampshire Constabulary, who will in most cases receive initial reports of thefts. Details of these will be forwarded to the Marine unit.
C. Crime prevention is dealt with by the Marine Unit by way of talks to local yacht and sailing clubs, "Moor and Mark" sessions where boat owners can have equipment engraved with their post code, and an exhibition bus at the Southampton Boat Show, manned by Marine Unit officers to give advice. New Forest District Council in conjunction with Hampshire Constabulary have recently launched "Marine Watch", a Neighbourhood Watch scheme afloat to encourage owners to safeguard their property.
Hampshire Constabulary have three 25 ft Patrol launches based at Southampton, Gosport and Cowes, manned by a total of 1 Sergeant and 7 Constables, plus a Marine Intelligence Officer based at Police Headquarters.
Duties are arranged so that as far as possible two launches are on duty each day with extra patrols when possible and at particularly busy periods. Special Constables are also trained for duty with the Marine Unit and provide additional support.
The M.O.D. Police at Portsmouth also have two vessels on patrol 24 hours a day, primarily in connection with Crown property, but do also work in very close liaison with Hampshire Constabulary in the Portsmouth area.
Since 1st January 1995, Marine Unit Officers have arrested 45 persons, mainly for theft of and from boats and criminal damage to boats. Approximately £250,000 of stolen marine property has been recovered during this period.
It should also be remembered that during this time considerable resources are deployed in policing special events on the water such as Cowes Week, power boat races and visits to waterfront venues by members of the Royal Family.
Source: Towards Strategic Guidance for the Solent, March, 1996
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