A new Boat Watch scheme is being launched by Malvern Police to help tackle boat crime on inland waterways in Worcestershire.
 
The move comes after a series of boat-related crimes both in the area and on a national scale over the last few years.
 
Malvern Police will be working with partner agencies and the commercial sector to help reduce crime and increase safety for the boating community.
 
A pilot of the new scheme will be promoted at Upton Marina Open Day on 14 June, with local police attending the event to give advice on boat safety and security.
 
Officers will also be handing out free membership packs for the Boat Watch initiative and offering discounted security-marking kits.
 
The Boat Watch scheme is designed to work by members of local boating communities looking out for suspicious behaviour in their area. Eye-catching stickers with the schemes’ logo will be displayed on boats belonging to those taking part in order to deter potential thieves.
 
Speaking ahead of the event next weekend Pc Paul Lambon said: “The whole thing is made to run like Neighbourhood Watch. We’d seen it elsewhere and thought, ‘why shouldn’t we have one here?’.
 
“We rarely come into contact with that community so it’s ideal to promote some more safety and security with boaters.”
 
The scheme has already received a positive response from the public and if successful, will be rolled out across the division in south Worcestershire and Warwickshire.

For more information about Boat Watch and how to register, contact Pc Paul Lambon at Malvern Police station or via his email, paul.lambon@westmercia.pnn.police.uk.

Boat Watch tips:

• Make a note of your equipment’s serial numbers so you’re able to provide this information to the police in event of items being stolen
• Don’t leave valuables on display or in the cockpit
• Don’t leave your engine’s keys in the ignition
• Always keep your boat and engine keys separate so that if someone should steal your engine keys you can still secure your vessel
• Always lock your boat, even if you’re only vacating it for a short period of time
• Use strong padlocks on entrances
• Keep an eye on other boats