Dinghy theft on the rise! Police urge boaters to protect vessels
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is urging boaters and charter companies to enhance security measures due to increased dinghy thefts.
With the recent uptick in dinghy thefts across the territory, the RVIPF has intensified its efforts to combat this escalating concern that predominantly affects the boating community. Incidents are frequently reported between 7pm and 10pm, the RVIPF said in a recent release.
The RVIPF has issued specific guidelines for dinghy owners to safeguard their property. Among the recommendations are marking dinghies with unique identifiers, removing keys from ignitions when not in use, and installing tracking devices to facilitate recovery if stolen.
Additional preventive measures recommended by the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) to help dinghy owners enhance security include documenting the unique markings or characteristics of their dinghies by taking detailed photographs.
Owners should capture images of the entire dinghy from various angles, particularly focusing on the engine. Furthermore, it is advised to promptly report any missing dinghies while providing as much relevant information as possible. Keeping a record of the dinghy’s Hull Identification Number (HIN) in a secure yet accessible location is also crucial.
The recent surge in thefts is part of a broader trend observed during the summer months, a peak period for such activities. Historical data from the RVIPF notes an annual increase in reports of stolen boats and boat parts, especially engines, during this time.
The police have launched initiatives like Operation Island Watch, encouraging community vigilance and providing actionable tips through safety brochures available to seafarers and beachgoers.
Boaters are encouraged to report any suspicious activity or thefts directly to the RVIPF using the confidential crime stoppers hotline at 1-800-8477 or the police’s direct access number at 311. Alternatively, persons can contact the Marine Unit at 368-9349.
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that dinghy theft will increase when all these criminals disguised as music fans visit the BVI for these boring festivals.
You are so full of hatred for any for caribbean people that (may) look like you. Seems the music fest wasn’t that boring as there was a significant turnout.
But according to you it was all criminals that flew in for it and now their suitcases are packed with stolen dinghies. You are a true example if inherited hate, While you have a picture of your white colonizer savior hanging on your wall and praying to every day!
OF COURSE THEY ARE. CRIMINALS ALWAYS CASE OUT THEIR TARGETS. BANK ROBBERS ALWAYS CASE OUT BANKS, BURGLARS ALWAYS CASE OUT HOMES AND BUSINESSES THEY PLAN TO HIT. JUST BE CAREFUL WHO YOU INVITE IN YOUR BACKYARD.
Great….now everything has to be chained down and locked because of thievery. How long before we also need burglar bars on boats?
That is the new thing now, Dinghy theft. THE UNDERGROUND TINNEL IS SAYING THE DINGYS IS BEING USED TO TRANSFER THE DRUG FROM THE DRUG BOAT WHEN IT REACH ONE OF THE OPEN INLETS ON THE ISLAND BECAUSE THE DINGYS IS MORE QUIET THAN THE SPEED BOATS.
Take a quick guess, they are not stealing people dinghy’s to go around joy riding in. They are stealing them to help move DRUGS. The criminals will always find ways to out smart the police.
Seems to me it’s a mere stupidity of those young ones on the Western side of the island. But there is a bait boat waiting on them, when they lease expect it. It will blow they cover.
The silliness will end up St. John and STT. Evil should not have any thing to do with you family, but once it is included,you cannot get raid of it. This will follow you to third and four generations, and you will be able to watch and see what is happening and cannot do anything about it.
Young boys take those boat back to where you take it from, release your family from the dreaded wickedness.