Cayman: Police investigate three stolen vessels and advise the public to increase security measures
Like Image of Outstanding Vessel
Police are currently investigating three incidents of theft over this past weekend between Friday 9 June and Sunday 11 June, where vessels were reported to have been stolen.
On Saturday 10 June, police attended a report of theft where a 35ft blue and white Suzuki Outboard vessel was removed from its docking area on Water Street. The incident was reported to the police after the vessel was located and later recovered by its owner at Duck Pond in the North Sound Estates area of Newlands, Bodden Town.
This incident is being investigated by the police and anyone with information is encouraged to call the Bodden Town Police Station at 947-2220.
On Sunday 11 June, Cayman Brac police officers were alerted to a suspicious vessel that was seen off shore in the White Bay Road area of Cayman Brac. Officers were able to identify the vessel as one that was stolen from Grand Cayman, and had been transported to Cayman Brac.
Cayman Brac Police officers as well as officers from the Firearm Response Unit were transported on a Customs and Border Control vessel with the assistance of CBC Personnel to the vessel where it was searched and towed to the Cayman Brac Police Station while investigations continue. There were no one on board the vessel at the time of search and recovery.
This incident is being investigated by the Cayman Brac Police and anyone with information is being encouraged to call the 948-0881.
Also, on Sunday, 11 June, police attended a report where a 16ft South Sea white with blue stripes vessel, was stolen from the Conch Point Road area of West Bay. The vessel was last seen by the owner on Monday 5 June and found to be missing on Saturday 10 June. This vessel is still outstanding and anyone with information of its whereabouts is encouraged to call the West Bay Police Station at 949-3999. (An image of a similar vessel is provided as reference.)
Anyone with any information about these incidents, or who may have witnessed anything suspicious around the time and location these incidents occurred is encouraged to contact the police.
Anonymous tips regarding all three incidents can be provided directly to the RCIPS via our Confidential Tip Line at 949-7777, or via our website.
Due to these incidents, the police are advising boat owners to review how they secure their vessels, and to consider the following:
- It is best to store the vessel in a well-lit area, ideally somewhere with cameras nearby or security on site. This applies both for vessels stored on land on trailers, and those moored in the water.
- If possible, secure the trailer for your vessel with a wheel boot and/or coupler lock, so it cannot be easily moved. It may also be a good idea to consider installing an alarm or other anti-theft system.
- Make regular checks and do not leave your vessel unattended for extended periods of time (longer than a day or so), whether on the water or on land.
- Always remove the key from ignition when leaving the vessel unattended, and do not store the key on the vessel itself.
- Remove all valuables from the vessel when leaving it unattended.
- Keep a list of all the equipment you have mounted in and on your boat, as well as serial numbers.
- Use high-quality locks on all hatches, storage compartments, and doors to prevent unauthorized entry.
- Use a boat cover to keep the vessel and its contents out of sight from potential thieves.
- Consider investing in a GPS tracking system for the boat, which can help locate the vessel if it is stolen.
- If possible, remove the propeller from the boat when it is not in use, as this makes it more difficult to steal.
- Be mindful of who has access to your keys and who you allow to operate your vessel.
- A hidden fuel cut-off switch can also prevent your boat from being taken far if it is stolen.
- Be careful about what information you share on social media. Avoid disclosing your location, travel plans, or posting pictures that could provide information about your boat and its equipment.