Man pleads guilty to boat thefts worth £148,000
Hayling Island man admits stealing more than £148,000 of marine equipment, including boats and a PWC in a string of thefts
A man has admitted to stealing more than £148,000 worth of gear and boats at a number of marina’s in Hampshire.
Alexander Everett stole three RIBs, a personal watercrafts (PWC) and four trailers in thefts from a number companies and private owners at marinas in Sarisbury Green, Swanwick and Chichester.
The 44-year-old from Hayling Island was caught after a major investigation by Hampshire Police into marine crime.
One of Mr Everett’s thefts included a RIB and trailer worth a total of £45,000 from JM Yachting at Universal Marina in Sarisbury Green.
He also stole a £50,000 Cobra RIB and trailer from a private owner at Eastlands Boatyard in Swanwick.
Other thefts included a PWC and trailer from RK Marine and Hamble River Boatyard and a Revenger 29 RIB and trailer from a private owner at Chichester Marina.
Everett was finally arrested in October last year after police carried out six search warrants in Hayling Island, Portsmouth and Southampton.
He admitted to three counts of theft and one of burglary at Portsmouth Crown Court and was released on bail.
Everett is due to reappear at Portsmouth Crown Court to be sentenced on November 1.
A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman said: “The co-operation of boat owners was crucial to this extensive investigation.
“Officers are grateful for their sustained support throughout this case. We remain committed to working together with the marine community to prevent and reduce crime. We would encourage anyone affected by a crime of this nature to come forward and report the information to police.”
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Image by Robert of England