Cherbourg (Port Chantereyne) Marina security probs

[lewsd]

Just for info – there have been some recent instances of theft / vandalism with boats at Cherbourg.

On a couple of occasions this summer our boat had obviously been used as a free lodging house, there was “evidence of occupation”, and a few things stolen.

Recently a couple of boats were more seriously damaged, doors smashed and the boat interior comprehensively trashed in a foul manner.

In fact one owner had begun cleaning up and repairing, he left the boat overnight and returned to find uninvited guests had revisited!

The problem is at least two fold – the marina is open to the public, with no effective security; (despite the assurances given), and a nice cosy boat must be tempting if you are a pavement dwelling vagrant, especially with winter coming.

The marina staff say to report the incident to the local police. This wastes a lot of your time and patience, their paper, and makes no discernable difference whatever!

So, caution advised if you plan to leave your boat unattended overnight at Port Chantereyne.

Bon Chance!

 

[mm1]

Cherbourg security

As quite frequent visitors to Cherbourg,this is disturbing news, can you please tell us which part / pontoon this is happening on.What is marina management doing about this,a shame Pascal left as he would have not allowed this,regards mm1.

 

[lewsd]

Cherbourg probs

Hi - ours and the two most recent serious incidents (British & French boats) were on Pontoon(s) G,F,H.

Easy to see why if you look at the Marina map, but also easy to see where improved security should be targeted.

The Marina management are certainly aware of the problem, but apart from noting it are doing nothing new. They try to shift all responsibility to the local police, who never routinely visit the site.

The Gendarmes (not the Police) only visit when a high profile visit to the military zone is occurring.

Rest assured all the incidents have been dutifully and immediately reported to the Police, if only to satisfy our insurance requirements!

The fact is that it is a public area, and there is no security.

Controlled access to the pontoons, and effective CCTV would help, all been suggested many times.

More voices may help? Your go!

 

[DAKA]

I thank you for your post keeping us updated and you have my sympathy, I hope the situation improves for you very soon.

Although you say this is a concern for anyone leaving their boats unattended, it is actually far more of a concern for me thinking about staying on the boat.

Due to the hardships suffered I dont expect all immigrants sleeping rough have the same values toward life as we do and the thought of these guys creeping round the marina at night looking for a bed is enough to keep us well away.

Its a shame as previously we have had many happy times there.

Its even off my safe haven list although I might anchor, please keep us updated in 6 months.

 

[neale]

I think this needs some perspective.

Cherbourg marina has a history of this sort of thing. It is not new. The pontoons are open to anyone who wants to wander along them and often the locals will take a stroll amongst the boats in the evening.

It should come as no surprise that some of these locals might not be completely honest and will take an opportunity if it presents itself.

I have visited many many times and not experienced any problems personally, although I have heard of a few over the years.

Best practice is to lock the boat up securely and make sure no valuables are left in the cockpit or on show down below.

There is no guaranteed way of making your boat safe, but the usual rule applies. Make yours less attractive and a more difficult target and hope the miscreant moves on to an easier target.

Long stay boats might present a different problem though. Cold nights and a boat that is obviously empty and not visited very often will make a tempting shelter to those looking to get out of the weather. How about lights on time switches, an old but reliable way of making a boat look occupied when it is not. Alternatively, fit an alarm system or some sort of remote monitoring so you could advise the marine if a problem is detected.

 

[DAKA]

I think this needs some perspective.

I though you were a journalist !
Where has your sense of sensationalism gone

Will someone think of the children

One or two journalists get their wrists slapped and you all go responsible and soft

 

[neale]

I though you were a journalist !
Where has your sense of sensationalism gone

Will someone think of the children

One or two journalists get their wrists slapped and you all go responsible and soft

 

[mm1]

cherbourg security

so a few tips for leaving your boats in cherb(PONTOONS M N P Q,try & moor next to other boats(preferably local)very easy to spot! also try & moor half way along pontoon then you are not the first boat they come to,remove all flags that make the boat look foreign,ie burgees,club penents & of course ensigns & of course the light on a timer is a very good idea,but do be careful as some of these people are very desperate indeed,regards mm1.ps we actually love Cherbourg & it won't stop us from visiting.

 

[neale]

so a few tips for leaving your boats in cherb(PONTOONS M N P Q,try & moor next to other boats(preferably local)very easy to spot! also try & moor half way along pontoon then you are not the first boat they come to,remove all flags that make the boat look foreign,ie burgees,club penents & of course ensigns & of course the light on a timer is a very good idea,but do be careful as some of these people are very desperate indeed,regards mm1.ps we actually love Cherbourg & it won't stop us from visiting.

Good tips.

Another thing worth remembering, and this goes for all ports, take your chart cartridge out of your plotter when you leave the boat. They cost a couple of hundred quid a piece and are easily stolen and often forgotten when removing all valuables from view. Heard of a few cases a couple of years back.

 

[IDAMAY]

Just done it

Thanks Neale. SWMBO has just removed the cartridge.

Some years ago we were on the furthest pontoon from the captain harry and had a dreadfull night in Cherbourg. People stampeding along the pontoon, turning taps on and off and theft from boats; to say nothing of druggies in the bushes. We haven't been back since and nothing posted here is likely to change our minds!

 

[lewsd]

Cherbourg reply

(Port Chantereyne- Cherbourg
________________________________________
Hi everyone from the marina in Cherbourg,

We are sorry to hear about the security issue some of you have had to deal with during your stay in Cherbourg.

The marina is equipped with a video camera system and there is also a night watchman. We are also permanently testing different systems to constantly improve the security in the marina.

We hope that this experience won't stop you from visiting Cherbourg again in 2012! If we can help in any way with your next trip to Cherbourg, please feel free to contact us at anytime.

Best wishes,

Magali Hamon
Port Chantereyne - Cherbourg-Octeville
+33 (0)6 87 71 09 41 )

Hello Magali

Thank you for your note re. security issues at Cherbourg (Chantereyne) Marina.

I appreciate the Marina is equipped with a daylight video camera security system. The system gives a scenic general view of almost all the marina. The area where most of the recent problems have occurred appears in the far distance, showing insufficient detail to be of any practical use. But as the system is not even occasionally monitored, it is not worthy of consideration as a security device.

The Marina may well employ a night watchman. There is however no regular security patrol at the marina, especially in the problem areas furthest from the office building. Especially, (and unsurprisingly) if the weather is poor.
From 22 Dec to 02 Jan I saw no evidence of effective security patrolling, or camera monitoring at the Marina office.

Code controlled security gate access at the head of each pontoon would surely solve most of the problems. I am aware that it is not easily possible to prevent access directly from the water, but I suspect most drunk / drugged vagrants and trouble makers do not arrive at the Marina by boat.

In the meantime, I would continue to use Cherbourg only for an occasional stay with my boat “en route”, I will not leave the boat there unattended for any time until effective security is properly and visibly in place.

Good luck with your “different systems to constantly improve the security in the marina”, and a Happy 2012!

cc. Député-Maire : Bernard Cazeneuve mairie@ville-cherbourg.fr

 

[lewsd]

Further reports of security issues at Cherbourg ...

AggieR recently reportedmMore tales of woe re Cherbourg marina security:

[/QUOTE] Magali - Happy New Year
In the security list you posted for the marina in Cherbourg you forgot to mention the "No Entry" signs on each gangway. They are afterall as useless as the fixed (does it scan) non-monitored daylight video camera system - which does not cover the main marina by one third and the visitors pontoon - not at all! Its capabilities have have already been mentioned by others. The Night watchman does just that - watches the night and has only a vague idea where the marina is!
Male and Femail prostitution thrives in an around the public toilet opposite F & G pontoons and the drug users hide in the bushes.
The recent wave of vandalism was as far as I know carried out on permament berth holders boats - not visitors, as your note seems to imply.
Last November between 11th and 21st my boat was vandalised as was that of a friend who is berthed two away from mine The estimated cost for the repair to my boat is €3,500.
In early December I wrote to the director of the marina and copied the Mayor of Cherbourg as of this date I have not had a reply. Hardly the behaviour of people in high places.
You cannot continue to take berthing fees against unsafe berths - you need to protect your investment. The Cherbourg Boat owners Assiociation inform me that they have been asking for better security on the marina for a long time, but the city of Cherbourg will not listen to them.
Eventually Cherbourg marina will be classed by Insurance companies as 'unsafe' and premiums will increase - as will the empty berths on the marina. Cherbourg has a lot to offer the boating fraternity by virtue of is geographical position, and is a good source of income for the city...........but you need to plough some the this income back into the marina by investing in a efficient security system or even key pads and gates at the top of each pontoon bridge - that way you will regain the confidence of your boatowners and keep the Insurance companies happy.[/QUOTE]



Eek! 3,500 Euro to repair the damage - no insurance company is going to continue to indemnify at Cherbourg for claims like that.

Shame the "night watchman" doesn't do a bit more watching - but it sounds like it's getting "un peu dangereux" out in the marina after dark these days!