There has been a recent rise in the theft of dinghies and dinghy engines over the past two weeks, particularly at night and around marinas, police reported last week.

In a brief press release, police urged marinas and owners of dinghies and small boats to take “the necessary precautions” to secure their vessels when not in use.

“Police are encouraging marinas to fast-track the restoration of closed-circuit cameras and to monitor all activities in or around their establishments to discourage or, at least, minimise opportunistic theft,” the release warned. “Dinghy owners and charter boat captains are also encouraged to secure these vessels with chains and cable locks where possible.”