Raid on the Medway

[tony_lavelle]

Last weekend my newish Yamaha 4hp 4-stroke outboard (s/n 1094329) with full remote tank was taken from Thunderbolt Pier, at the Chatham Historic Dockyard. I've heard that 3 other outboards and a liferaft were taken on or about the night of 19th May. Given the tight shore-side security it's likely the thieves were well equipped and came by boat. This fits the modus operandi described for the Eastern European military-trained gangs known to target marinas and harbours.

The previous weekend someone cut through the fence at Hoo Ness YC and stole an outboard, using one of the club's wheel barrows to cart it away.

It seems this type of crime is rapidly increasing and we will all be paying higher insurance premiums.

 

[Capt Popeye]

yes, a few years ago an emergency call was made one night in response to calls for help from the river just up river from the Thunderbolt Pier area.
The people in the river were rescued and taken ashore to recover, well the story given to the Land Police was that they had gone night fishing and the dinghy overturned throwing them into the river.
A van was later found with its engine running and doors open, no connection??
Well come daylight, and when the tide went out, along the foreshore was various boating gear strewn about, all found to have come from local boats.
The fishermen (?) by then had long gone!
I understand that a 'row' between the Land and River Police ensued!!