Falmouth boat watch huge success (From Boating Cornwall)

Falmouth boat watch huge success

9:00am Wednesday 25th November 2009 in News By Stephen Ivall

The Falmouth and Penryn Boat Watch has reduced marine crime by 36 per cent in six months but owners should not be complacent.

The rural neighbourhood police team have created a sailing community network of 20 member organisations including sailing clubs, marinas, chandlers, yacht brokers, marine services and local harbour masters. Boat Watch now has a membership of over 5,000 and covers an area from the Helford, Falmouth Bay, across to St Mawes, the Carrick Roads and the sailing waters around Truro.

Falmouth PC Charlie Staines and community support officer Paul Woodward of the rural neighbourhood police team say they are delighted with the success achieved thanks to the partnership with the sailing community.

Boat Watch is supported by a number of key marine individuals and based on the principals of Neighbourhood Watch. Its aim is to bring those involved in boating together to tackle marine crime.

Every year thefts of and from boats are reported to the police and these incidents cause heartache, inconvenience and considerable expense to boat owners.

In early 2009 the rural neighbourhood team commissioned a full investigation into the marine crime in their area with a view to establishing a crime reduction plan.

PC Staines said; “We knew that the figures for marine crime would not make good reading. Many police forces and even the MOD police were reporting National crime increases for marine crime. The data we collated was very useful and it gave us ideas on how we could turn the tide on marine crime."”

The team decided that visible deterrents and state of the art property marking would be most effective. outboard engine covers were designed and a specific marine property marking kit was located.

Funding was sought and a bid successful.

“We new that our initiative would produce results if the products were made available to sailing community. Having the funding not only meant we could provide these covers and marking kits but it also gave us the chance to offer visible membership badges for vessels and signage at the harbours and marinas locally,” he added.

Specially trained police officers at Falmouth police station conduct regular marine patrols in the Fal Estuary with partner agencies. In engaging with the sailing community these police officers promote membership of Boat Watch and offer first hand crime prevention advice.

“The response from the sailing community has been very positive, we anticipate that membership of the scheme will grow and I would be delighted to see every boating enthusiast a member of our Watch. We are now busy planing for next season and with the support of our partners we hope that further crime reductions will be achieved,” said Pc Staines.