Catching the thieves

WITH the ever increasing problem of boat 'break ins', perhaps it is time to catch the culprits rather than rely on costly welding work to improve your boats security, writes Peter Ponting.

If a thief wishes to enter your boat whilst you are away from it, they will, no matter how much extra security you have paid to have fitted.

So how do we catch them?

Cameras

With surveillance cameras. Not ordinary high tech systems, with swivelling cameras and flashing lights, but discreet items with hidden motion sensor cameras.

These can be found on auction sites like Ebay for as little as £10.

For example you can buy a USB flash drive fitted with a motion sensor camera for £19. It will record video and sound for 90 minutes. For £23 you can buy a digital clock fitted with a motion sensor camera. £25 will buy you a coat hook also fitted with a digital camera activated by motion inside your boat.

Many items

You can buy pens with cameras fitted, fake car keys with cameras fitted, electrical plugs with cameras fitted.

An ultra violet pen to mark your possessions costs £6. All police stations have the equipment to scan items marked with ultra violet.

For a minimal amount of cost, if an intruder breaks into your boat, you will have photographic evidence, time and date stamped, plus proof of any items stolen.

When these thieves realise they are being watched and convicted, they will stop.