Marine Security Advice from Police CPI

At the height of the global pandemic, borders were closed, flights were cancelled, and holidays were postponed. According to figures from British Marine, many people used this as an opportunity to look closer to home for their leisure activities, with boat sales increasing 9% in 2020, compared to the previous year.

Having spent a lot of money buying and maintaining a boat or other form of marine craft, the last thing anyone wants is to be a victim of crime. While accurate crime statistics in this area are difficult to come by – marine crime is thought to be highly underreported – there have been notable increases in theft and damage of marine equipment.

Thieves are attracted to all kinds of things at marinas and sailing clubs –outboard motors, life rafts, electronic/GPS equipment – in fact, they’ll steal anything that takes their fancy – radios, mobile phones, laptops, fishing tackle, personal items and even the boat itself. With this in mind, it is vitally important to make sure that your craft is secured along with the equipment onboard.

Police CPI, in conjunction with the Border Force-owned Project Kraken initiative, are working to raise awareness of marine crime and the steps boat owners can take to avoid becoming victims.

When thinking of marine security, think STORM

  • Security – physical security measures
  • Track – property marking & tracking systems
  • Observe – keep an eye on your marina / sailing club
  • Report suspicious activity
  • Monitor at all times – CCTV and alarms

Don’t consider each of the measures in isolation – using a combination of physical and technical security measures will increase boat security and keep your possessions safe.

Doug Skins, Development Officer for Secured by Design, impresses on the importance of reporting marine crime. “Although the precise number of cases remains unknown, outboard motor theft continues to be a problem. Reporting all instances of crime in relation to your boat, sailing club and marina help local police forces to establish where they are needed, and allows Police CPI to develop more effective crime prevention strategies.”

Developing this further, Police Sergeant Matthew Gransden, from Hampshire Constabulary’s Marine Unit, commented: “Marine crime is very difficult to try and impact upon without the support of owners and stakeholders – we have large quantities of very valuable property that is, by its nature, often left unattended in isolated locations for long periods. This means we’re predominantly alerted to acquisitive crime a significant time after the incident occurred and evidence can be hard to come by.

“Anything owners can do to reduce the time between occurrence and discovery is very helpful – regular checks and tracking or alerting devices offer good potential.

“Marine property is specialist, and we strongly encourage owners to be diligent in marking their property and recording serial numbers and photographic records of unique marks or modifications at the point of taking ownership. If they are then unlucky enough to be a victim of crime, the unique nature of marine items means there is an increased chance the property will be identified as stolen at a later date – Police Marine teams regularly struggle to prove ownership and reunite the rightful owners with their property.”

To read more news and exclusive features see our latest issue here.

Never miss a story… Follow us on:
LinkedIn Security Buyer UK
Twitter logo@SecurityBuyerUK
Facebook@SecbuyerUK

Media Contact
Rebecca Morpeth Spayne,
Editor, Security Portfolio
Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922
Email: [email protected]

About Security Buyer

Security Buyer is the leading authority in global security content, delivering expert news, in-depth articles, exclusive interviews, and industry insights across print, digital, and event platforms. Published 10 times a year, the magazine is a trusted resource for professionals seeking updates and analysis on the latest developments in the security sector.

To submit an article, or for sponsorship opportunities, please contact our team below.

Rebecca Spayne picture 2025

Rebecca Spayne

Managing
EDITOR

Georgina Turner image

Georgina Turner

Sales
Manager

Afua Akoto image - Security Buyer

Afua Akoto

Marketing Manager

Read the Latest Issue

Follow us on X

Follow us on X

Click Here

Follow us on LinkedIn

Follow us on LinkedIn

Click Here

Advertise here

Reach decision makers and amplify your marketing

Advertise here

Click Here

Related News

Dallmeier - securitybuyer.com

Dallmeier presents the MK4 revision of the DMS 2400

With the new MK4 revision of the DMS 2400, Dallmeier introduces an even more powerful version of its proven video appliance.
security Institute - securitybuyer.com

Security Institute Announces New Directors

The Security Institute held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on the 8th of July at the Millennium Hotel & Conference Centre…
ASSA ABLOY - securitybuyer.com

BG100 Speedgate Recognised with Red Dot Award

Combining an Aesthetically Appealing Design, Function and Innovation, the BG100 Speedgate Sets New Benchmark for …
Product Spotlight - Videx - securitybuyer.com

Product Spotlight – Era Series

VIDEX presents its new series of outdoor compact video door entry systems, Era Series, and showcases their durability, configuration…
Security Institute - SecurityBuyer.com

The Security Institute Hosts Second Young People’s Skill Building

The Security Institute was honoured to host its second annual Young People’s Skill Building Event on Monday 23rd June, held …
Hanwha Vision - Security Buyer

Hanwha Vision unveils powerful AI remote-head camera

Hanwha Vision, the global vision solution provider, launches the AI remote-head camera, featuring a single-body…
Christina Alexander Judge - SecurityBuyer

Christina Alexander Announced as Security Buyer Awards Judge

Security Buyer is proud to announce Christina Alexander as the latest addition to the distinguished judging panel for the Security…
Milestone - SecurityBuyer

Milestone Systems updates across XProtect, BriefCam, Arcules

Milestone Systems today announced updates across its complete security technology portfolio with releases for XProtect
Big Interview Abdullah Tanoli

Big Interview – Hero of Leicester Square

Rebecca Spayne of Security Buyer has the privilege of speaking with a real-life hero, Abdullah Tanoli, the hero of Leicester Square..
Altronix - SecurityBuyer

Altronix POE367 Delivers 277VAC Support

Altronix has expanded its power product line with the new POE367 power supply/charger designed specifically for 277VAC input environments.
Scroll to Top