Gardai have issued an unusual warning for those living in coastal counties as the weather is due to brighten up this weekend.
Some areas are expecting 18C heat from Friday and so boat owners and sailing enthusiasts will be heading out on the water - tides permitting.
Officers in Donegal issued the warning on Monday evening and said there is an annual rise in robberies involving boats, trailers, outboard motors and electrical/ safety equipment onboard.
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Their alert read: “Every year, particularly in the Spring and Summer we receive reports in relation to the theft of boats, boat trailers, outboard motors and electronic/safety equipment.
“There are measures that can be taken to protect your valuable property and reduce the risk of theft.
“By improving your security measures, you will greatly reduce your risk of falling victim to a crime.”
They recommend that owners use “a high-quality padlock on exterior haches” throughout the summer as well as a high quality security hatch on the boat trailer.
They say the best way to avoid overnight thefts is to lock away your boat in garages when not in use if possible, or if it is remaining in the water use “a marina with full-time security and good lighting.”
If you keep yours at home, “reverse a boat with an onboard engine close to a wall or building to make difficult to lift the engine off.”
You should also keep it out of sight from the road where possible, and always keep the engine hidden from plain sight.
Gardai are also warning prospective buyers to do their research before handing over money quickly for a bargain because “that bargain may be stolen.”
Similarly if you are selling this summer, be aware that some scammers act as buyers to scope out the boat before it's taken - and will use fake identities and documentation.
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