Navigators and General (N&G), the UK's number one in yacht and motorboat insurance and part of the Zurich Group, is concerned that the recent rises in domestic burglaries across the UK may impact UK boat owners this winter.
The UK’s police forces are reporting increases of up to 21% in household burglaries and this was verified in an Observer analysis. The Government has predicted that the deteriorating economic conditions may send crime rates spiralling, and police figures for the last few months are starting to back this up.
N&G’s statistics are already showing that break in and theft claims are increasing. By the end of November 2008 they were well already above the total for the whole of 2007. The current economic climate does not look set to improve for sometime, and if as suggested this is related to increases in theft and burglary, the trend looks set to continue and possibly increase.
N&G is also concerned that boat owners may be more likely to let their policies lapse over winter months in an effort to reduce expenditure. Increased numbers of uninsured boats and rising crime rates could spell disaster for boat owners who find that cancelling insurance cover is a false economy.
The longer nights also means there’s often less people around over the quieter winter period providing opportunities for thieves to steal expensive gear and equipment, not to mention the added risk of metal or diesel theft. Thieves will be likely to target areas and facilities with easy access, little security, poor lighting, and little CCTV coverage.
Popular theft targets include outboard motors, dinghies, navigation equipment, personal entertainment systems, and items that can be easily sold on and transported.
As well as the cost of the stolen items, (which may not be that significant) the damage caused on entry and subsequent water damage, (should the boat be left exposed to the elements) can cost significantly more.
To reduce your exposure, and minimise the temptation to thieves boat owners should remove items that are likely theft targets, and make it as obvious as possible there is nothing on board worth stealing. Leaving curtains open to show empty cupboards and drawers and even going as far to leave a note on display clearly stating the boat has been stripped out for the winter may not be a bad idea.
Equipment taken home or stored ashore is still covered under the policy even whilst in transit, against fire, theft, vermin damage. It is always worth checking your boat on a regular basis over the winter months because if something does happen you want to be able to take preventative steps to minimise the loss straight away.
Provided the claim is valid N&G will cover the cost of reasonable steps taken to minimise loss, without prior instruction, but you should inform the police straight away and get a crime reference number. N&G gives all policy holders a boat security sticker to display which means that anyone finding a boat in distress can inform us, so we can in turn contact the owner and take appropriate steps to safeguard the vessel.
For more risk management advice visit www.navandgen.co.uk
ENDS
For further information contact:
Simon Tonks, Development Manager, Navigators & General,
t: 01273 863417 e: simon.tonks@uk.zurich.com
Joe Field, PR Consultant, Navigators & General
t: 01273 863422 e: joe.field@navandgen.co.uk
How to protect the boat from theft & damage whilst laid up during Winter
• Remove all expensive equipment such as radios, GPS, navigation and electronic equipment, TV’s, CD players etc and store in a safe place to avoid the risk of theft
• Leave empty lockers and drawers ajar to ventilate , and to remove temptation from potential thieves
• Select yards or storage facilities with good security, lighting and surveillance, ask about theft history
• Where possible remove solid metal objects like propellers, tillers or rudders that may tempt metal thieves
• Secure or run down internal fuel tanks with easy access, remove portable fuel tanks.
Notes
• Thames Valley Police reported a 21% rise in burglaries for July 2008 against 2007
• Observer analysis showed 19 out of 31 police forces showed rises in burglaries this year following years of decline
• A leaked letter from the Home Secretary Jackie Smith warned of a 7% rise in crime due to the impending recession.
• Marine Diesel is set to increase in cost from 76p/litre to up to £1.50/litre from 1st November when full fuel duty is applied
