Thieves target boats in marinas
Updated: Thursday, 14 Oct 2010, 12:39 PM EDT
Published : Thursday, 14 Oct 2010, 12:02 PM EDT
Clinton, Conn. (WTNH) - It's become a growing problem along the Connecticut shoreline as thieves break into boats, stealing GPS units, fishing reels and other expensive items.
The thieves have hit a number of marinas all the way from Old Lyme to Guilford.
"We've actually had several that were interrupted by people who were asleep on their boats and they witnessed the people leaving," explained Sgt. Jeremiah Dunn, Clinton Police Department.
But many boat owners didn't discover the thefts until later.
"They're taking high-end electronics, GPS devices, fishing equipment, navigational aids," Sgt. Dunn said.
These modern-day pirates have struck at least 16 times in Clinton alone and have robbed boats up and down the Connecticut shoreline. They come alongside the boat in their own small boat, with a small engine and no lights, jump on-board, grab what they can and then take off across the water.
"That's a little scary if they're jumping on the boat when you're still on the boat, running with it, yeah, that's definitely a little scary," said Nick Manza of Clinton.
Police say the best defense is to take the necessary precautions.
"I always make sure I put my canvas covers on my boat when I leave and uh, like I said, I take all my stuff on the boat every night, I suggest a lot of people should do that," Manza said.
Anyone with information about these thefts should call police.
these guys are pretty brazen if they are willing to board a boat with crew aboard. I would say that trapped in the cabin of your boat and now way out you are looking at a good self defense case. 