BOAT OWNERS AT RISK OF THEFT BY FRAUDSTERS
Recent claims have identified a disturbing trend whereby
boats, particularly on the inland waterways, are being targeted by criminals
fraudulently ‘selling’ boats without the owner’s knowledge. The boat is then
moved away by the purchaser, leaving the owner to believe their boat has been
stolen when they discover it’s no longer on the mooring.
Quite often a ‘For Sale’ notice is posted on the boat,
unbeknown to the owner. A sale is then arranged quite quickly, the buyer having
been duped into the transaction, leaving two victims with the fraudster in the
middle.
Peter Clark, founder of long-established marine
investigators, C Claims, helped to recover a vessel on the river Lee for a
Craftinsure customer recently. He advised that he had tracked down and recovered
4 stolen boats within a week, collectively worth as much as £150,000.
The most important advice for owners is to visit their
boats regularly and never leave original documents on board.
It’s also recommended that the licence number is indelibly
marked on the vessel – for example by having it etched into a window each side
of the craft. Perhaps also consider fitting a GPS tracking device – much less
expensive these days.
As a more general risk management measure, it’s good to
make friends with neighbouring boat owners and locals, exchanging contact
details so that any suspicious activity can be reported.
