| Thieves are always on the lookout for easy | | | | • Keep unused ropes, fenders and other |
| targets. Don't make yourself and your boat an | | | | items out of sight in your cockpit, lockers and |
| easy target. Always follow these simple steps: | | | | cupboards - and always lock them. |
| • Never leave anything valuable on | | | | • Make sure that your life raft and |
| display, however small and insignificant it may | | | | outboard motor are secure, as these are valuable |
| seem. Thieves steal first and think about value | | | | and attractive to boat thieves. |
| later. | | | | • When you go ashore from a dinghy, |
| • Don't leave anything loose in the | | | | always remove your oars or paddles, rowlocks or |
| cockpit or on deck. | | | | pump, and secure the dinghy with a strong chair |
| • Don't leave your engine key in the | | | | and padlock. |
| ignition - always take it with you. | | | | • If you are the victim of boat theft, call |
| • Keep your boat keys separate from | | | | the police immediately and tell the harbormaster |
| your engine keys. | | | | or boatyard manager. Check to make sure that |
| • Always keep your boat locked when | | | | your boat is still seaworthy and hasn't been badly |
| no one is on board, even for a short time. | | | | damaged. |
| • Use strong padlocks or rim locks on all | | | | • And, if you can, check that neighboring |
| your hatches, entry points and cockpit lockers. | | | | boats haven't been broken into as well. |
| • Consistently check and improve the | | | | • Get to know other boat owners in |
| security on your boat. It's a good idea to fit an | | | | your marina and work together to keep the |
| alarm and use a visible sticker to say that one is | | | | marina secure. You can do the following: |
| fitted. | | | | • Keep an eye on other boats, as well |
| • Make sure your cockpit lockers can be | | | | as your own. |
| properly locked, and check that your main hatch | | | | • Report any strangers at the marina to |
| and fore-hatch are strong. | | | | the harbormaster or yardmaster. |
| • Also think about having a strongbox | | | | • Don't give your marina access card or |
| down below. If you don't think something is | | | | key to other people. |
| secure, get it fixed. | | | | • Never tell anyone else the access code |
| IMPROVE YOUR SECURITY | | | | to the marina. |
| Once you've tied up alongside, always do a quick | | | | • Don't let strangers into the marina, |
| security check before going ashore. | | | | however genuine they may seem. |
| Always: | | | | • Keep the marina gate closed at all |
| • Lock anything valuable out of sight in a | | | | times. |
| strong locker secured by a strong padlock. | | | | Don't hesitate to act on these recommendations |
| • Lock up emergency money away | | | | today. Tomorrow may be too late. Always |
| from other valuables. | | | | remember that thought, planning and intentions |
| • Keep your curtains closed so that | | | | are great but in order to accomplish anything you |
| no-one can look in. | | | | must take action. Please do it today! |