Lake District Engagement Helps Protect Boat Owners From Theft.
Boat owners across the Lake District are receiving increased support as police and partner organisations continue efforts to tackle theft from boats and lakeside locations.
Cumbria Police has made marine theft a local priority under Operation Headway, with officers working directly with boat owners and lake users to encourage the reporting of suspicious activity and improve security around the county's lakes.
Joint patrols have been carried out around Windermere and Coniston, with police working alongside the Lake District National Park and Westmorland and Furness Council to prevent and detect offences. Crime prevention work has also included measures designed to make boats, engines and other equipment less attractive to thieves and easier to identify if stolen.
Police said hundreds of SelectaDNA kits have been used to forensically mark boats, engines and other equipment. According to a South Lakes neighbourhood policing update, this type of crime had fallen by more than 50 per cent over the previous two years, although it remains a local priority because of continuing concerns from residents and lake users.
The partnership approach has also received funding for additional security measures. Previous support from the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner's Property Fund helped the Lake District National Park purchase Galaxy SmartTags, SelectaDNA kits and warning stickers to help protect boats, outboard engines, trailers, canoes and fuel around Windermere.
Police have stressed the importance of reporting suspicious behaviour promptly. Officers say information from boat owners and other lake users can help them identify patterns of offending and target patrols in locations where thefts have occurred.
The Lake District National Park Authority also works with police, landowners, councils and other organisations on visitor safety and the protection of the National Park. Its guidance advises people to contact Cumbria Police about crimes such as theft and other illegal activity.
The continuing work is aimed at protecting the large number of boats and recreational equipment used on the Lake District's waterways, while reassuring owners that reports of suspicious activity are being taken seriously.
With joint patrols and crime prevention measures continuing around Windermere and Coniston, police and partner organisations are encouraging boat owners to remain vigilant and report concerns. The work forms part of a wider effort to reduce marine theft and improve security for the communities and visitors who use the Lake District's lakes throughout the year.
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