RIVER YEALM BOATWATCH
ACTIVITY REPORTS
ACTIVITY REPORT to end-June 2013
30 Patrols – majority at night - 7 water-borne
4 reported incidents; 1 unreported.
Close reading of Log-Book entries clearly indicates a high level of commitment by our Boatwatch patrols, which is much appreciated by the HarbourMaster and the Enforcement Authorities – but NOT appreciated by the “Netters”. Indeed, Tam Sneddon of The Environment Agency reports: “the usual suspects are quite fearful of your River Yealm Boatwatch patrols: they’re quite impressed with your efforts”.
We have been unlucky to be hit by two outboard thefts: one from Martin Oates’ oyster fishing barge at Steer Point (the thieves used Martin’s tender to get to his barge!); the other was a very aggressive forced removal of a well-secured outboard from Rob Cross’s workboat at Bridgend Quay – neither O/B was “marked”. There are suggestions that both thefts were preceded by intensive reconnaisance. We have also had two reported “Netting” incidents which – as predicted – took place at night, at the top of High Spring Tide. Both incidents were detected by our Boatwatch patrols: one by Will Mumford who was patrolling in his kayak; the other by Duncan and Angela Macpherson who did a splendid job in very trying conditions. They had great difficulty in communicating with the Police, because of weak mobile phone signals; and – unfortunately – when they went on-board their yacht to communicate by VHF they may have been “monitored” by the illegal “Netters” – who “got away”. On the basis of Duncan’s efforts the Police were able to immediately identify – the known – “Netters”, and after asking them to stand-down at 2 am subsequently gave high praise to Duncan and Angela.
The majority of our Boatwatch patrols take place in, and along the river. There is only one “logged” Boatwatch patrol that covered the entrance of the river, where it is known that in the past the “Netters” have set their nets near Spring Low Tide. We have recently received one – unreported – incident of “Netting” activity near the river entrance and this was followed-up by IFCA (Inland Fishing and Conservation Authority) who monitored the entrance to both the Yealm and the Avon : unfortunately they subsequently discovered the “Netters” were operating on the river Fal!
Comprehensive reports of both reported River Yealm “Netting” incidents are recorded in our Log-Book; and we have up-dated our “Teamleader Guidance” document to incorporate suggestions made to improve patrol and communication procedures.
Beyond the River Yealm, Plymouth Police report: “In general, the situation is pretty good; although at the moment Cornwall is being hit harder than Devon. Most thefts are definitely avoidable: people are careless, often failing to remove, or secure high value kit. There is a lot of multi-agency work taking place – more than ever before. Also, we are taking a lot of interest in the outlets for stolen kit. These guys travel around a lot: many boats stolen in the south-west are for sale in the north-east. The East Europeans are really quiet: we definitely knocked them. As for the “Netters”, they are certainly difficult to keep track of. But, can’t say much, we are onto them, and quite hopeful”.
To some extent the Plymouth Police report is corroborated elsewhere. Project Kraken Marine Incident Unit in Hampshire reports: “The overall level of crime is down, down, down: by about 30% over last year. This is down to three things: better prevention; marking; and our very close monitoring of the disposal outlets. We are taking a very close interest in e-Bay, and Boat Jumbles.”
In support of the above Hamble River HarbourMaster reports: “We have now given out 1500 of our 4000 Smartwater marking kits. It’s definitely catching on: becoming more visible; more people are asking for a kit. And we’re getting there – the level of theft is definitely less than normal. Unfortunately, some of the marinas are not cooperating, saying it gives the wrong message to potential berth holders. I will be working on them!”
By comparison, we have now sold almost 50 Selectamark marking kits to River Yealm mooring holders. Unlike the Hamble, the deterrent impact is not readily apparent. We have not yet reached a point where it can be claimed that marking is catching-on. There is a clear need to get another 50 kits “out there”.
Reports from local HarbourMasters illustrate that, in general, the level of crime on the River Yealm is less than elsewhere, and that our Boatwatch patrols are working well.
Salcombe reports: “We’ve had some thefts, but not really been hit hard – yet. However, we have recently had two cases of suspicious-looking boats: 3 men, middle-aged, not in boating gear; pulled up their hoods and got out quick when challenged. Clearly organised criminals in my opinion”. Kingsbridge Boatwatch reports no thefts; but a sighting of a very fast dory/netter.
Dartmouth reports: We have 11 ½ miles of river, 1400 moorings, plus a further 1000 boats on the river. We have experienced thefts and some “Netting” incidents: about 6 O/B’s, and fittings from the upper-deck; and a few large scale organised raids on boatyards. We know the “Netters” are the same guys who you see on the Yealm; fortunately the ferry-boat crews and locals here are quite vigilant and keep me, and the Police, informed.
Looe/Fowey reports: 8 incidents of theft over last three months, mainly O/B’s and fuel.
Falmouth reports: loads of thefts recently – the odd dinghy, but mainly O/B’s; also quite a lot of fuel. We’ve also had some illegal “netting” – by the guys from Plymouth (caught on our CCTV – late at night)
Teignmouth reports: theft of 2 tenders, 1 kayak and 1 O/B.
River Yealm Boatwatch Activity Report for 2014
51 scheduled patrols: 47 Log-Book entries
35 shore-based 12 water-borne
It was a record year. There were THREE reported incidents, and probably one unreported incident: involving the theft of three un-marked and unsecured outboards and a tender. When the Boatwatch organisation was formed twenty-five years ago there were 30 reported incidents, some quite serious: including the theft of a yacht. Police reports indicate that in 2014 the River Yealm had the lowest level of reported marine crime in the west-country. This remarkable achievement was mainly attributable to the deterrent impact of Boatwatch patrols. Just over 30 Team Leaders and their fellow Boatwatchers diligently patrolled the river – in all weathers, and all hours. Some teams patrolled all night. 8 teams carried out joint shore-and-water-borne patrols. They made good use of regular Current Intelligence Reports, and detected and reported (on 101) several suspect vehicles, illegal Netters and other suspicious activity. In addition, Boatwatch efforts to improve prevention paid off: a significant number of mooring holders purchased security kits from the Harbourmaster, and informal surveys indicated that the majority of high value equipment on the river was either removed from moored boats, or properly secured (but not always marked).
Also, it was clear that Boatwatch patrols played a key role in multi-agency law enforcement. Several offenders were detained; some boats were confiscated; and there were some notable prosecutions involving large fines and one prison sentence. The Police, The Environment Agency and Inland Fisheries Conservation Agency were highly appreciative: “You guys are important. You are our eyes and ears. You help us to keep track of them”. Indeed, partly as a result of Boatwatch patrols, smart black Police and IFCA ribs were seen on the Yealm on several occasions in 2014 and are known to have driven out suspicious/illegal vessels.
The next AGM will be on 25th February at YYC when there will be presentations on measures to up-our-game in two areas. The annual target of 60 scheduled patrols was not met in 2014 because a few volunteers who had indicated at the start of the year their intention to carry out a Boatwatch patrol failed to actually commit. Also, each year approximately 5 teams “drop-out”. The pool of volunteers needs to be continually refreshed. Existing Boatwatchers will be encouraged to recruit new volunteers to join a scheduled patrol, with a view to leading a patrol team in the future.
In addition, Boatwatch relies on donations to cover its expenses (mainly third party insurance, which in future will include Personal Accident Cover – up to 85 year-olds!). In the past a few stalwart volunteers (and occasional visitors) have made significant donations. We are seeking a higher volume of modest donations. In the form below you are asked to make a donation: £10 as a guide would be most welcome. Please add your name and e-mail address if you would like to receive regular reports of Boatwatch Activity.
River Yealm Boatwatch Activity Report for 2015
43 rostered patrols 39 Log-book entries
32 shore-based 7 water-borne
It was a good year; although there was a sting in the tail. Over 50 Boatwatch volunteers demonstrated a high level of commitment and diligence. They all stuck to specific dates: there were no cancellations or reschedules, and Boatwatch patrols clearly deterred opportunistic criminal activity. Near the end of the season there were only two recorded thefts – mainly fishing equipment stolen from boats moored in the Pool. However, in early October one of the Boatwatchers detected a three-man Netter crew launching a Dory from The Brook and although the Security Services were notified on 101 the villains got away, apparently with a large catch of salmon - and then told their mates. Three more Netter crews arrived in the Yealm the following week; and although the Security Services were alerted none of the Netters, or their catches, were detained. Fortunately, there was no evidence of any Netter theft of equipment from boats moored in the river.
The Boatwatch Committee has investigated at length recent responses to calls to 101. It became clear there was a need for Boatwatch to adapt to a new, more challenging scenario. The Security Services clearly appreciate the efforts made by Boatwatchers which they find very helpful. They want to respond but, following budgetary cut-backs, find themselves having to prioritise their responses.
Remarkable progress has been made over the last twenty-five years: Boatwatchers have delivered significant deterrence, a major reduction in criminal theft, and a safer river for all those who enjoy it. But the Boatwatch community is now in danger of fragmenting into three groups. At one end there is a small number of Boatwatchers who have suggested they may no longer patrol the river: “Why bother if there is no response to a call to 101”. In the middle there is the silent and loyal majority who believe patrols deter criminal activity, and they will probably maintain their commitment to patrolling, but with reservations. At the far end there is another group who are angry: “This is not right. Something must be done about this”. The Boatwatch Committee is firmly committed to “doing something ”. Currently, detailed discussions are underway with a view to enhancing deterrence and enabling Boatwatchers to provide the Security Services with evidence that will lead to detention and prosecution. The Committee is working on a plan to roster more effective Boatwatch patrols. Firstly, there will be a need to recruit additional volunteers; in particular, many more mooring holders who enjoy the benefits of a regularly patrolled river. Secondly, provide Boatwatchers with new tools to detect, and record criminal activity. The Committee hopes to give much more information about this at next year’s AGM on Wednesday 24th February at Yealm Yacht Club at 7 pm.
Boatwatch is a voluntary organisation that relies on donations to cover its expenses: mainly third-party insurance. Last year the Committee was able to generate a higher volume of modest donations, and hopes to repeat this in the coming year. Boatwatch would welcome donations of £10; and – most importantly – more volunteers. Please complete the Form below to indicate whether you would be prepared to lead or join a Boatwatch Patrol. If you are not already receiving regular e-mail reports of Boatwatch Activity please indicate below and provide your e-mail address.
River Yealm Boatwatch Activity Report for 2016
56 rostered patrols (42) 51 Log-book entries (39)
41 shore-based (32) 10 water-borne (7)
Total of 32 Teams and not less than 76 people patrolled the river in 2016
( ) figures for 2015
It was a good year; but also a bad year. The statistics clearly show that participation increased: we almost met our annual target of 60 rostered patrols. And Log-book entries recorded a high level of commitment and diligence in all weathers and unsocial hours.
But it was bad year because we recorded a much higher level of theft: 20 outboards were stolen, versus only one in 2015. We were not alone. Although most of the harbours and estuaries in the South West had “a quiet year”, Teignmouth, Salcombe and The Yealm were hit hard. We have been advised that all these harbours were targeted by a very professional criminal gang – probably from outside the area. The culprits carefully surveyed and identified “soft targets” – typically, new unmarked outboards; and then carried out systematic thefts. Salcombe had a massive increase in recorded theft: “We’ve had more thefts since June than the whole of the last five years”. On The Yealm the impact was even more pronounced because, in addition to thefts by criminal gangs, the Plymouth-based Netters were also very active. Since their chief culprit had had his Driving Licence confiscated he, and his mates, were unable to tow their Dorys to further locations and “caused mayhem in all the Plymouth estuaries”. Indeed, our Harbourmaster’s new CCTV system recorded the Netters late at night laying their nets off Wide Slip, on the same night that two outboards were stolen from a boatshed close-by. Unfortunately the Infra Red evidence recorded on the CCTV system was insufficient to positively identify either the Licence Number of the Netter’s Dory, or its crew.
The Boatwatch Committee has investigated the recorded incidents at length, and engaged in detailed discussions with all the relevant Security Services organisations and the Harbourmasters in The Yealm, Salcombe and Teignmouth. It would be easy to conclude that our Boatwatch patrols did not deter criminal activity on The Yealm; but it was clear that our patrols did deter and were highly appreciated: “We are critically dependent on Intelligence; Yealm Boatwatch is exceptional – your reports are very helpful”. However it was equally clear that we were hit by “some very smart people who know what they are doing”. In fact, on one night in July two outboards and an inflatable were stolen on The Yealm during a Boatwatch patrol. Fortunately, in spite of severe budgetary cutbacks, and specific problems related to detecting and preventing marine crime, the Police have “registered”. They have mounted both Overt and Covert operations and some individuals were recently detained in Salcombe – where a new Security Contractor has been engaged. We shall continue to work closely with the Police and other Agencies to enhance our Boatwatch Patrol Guidelines, and provide very specific directions on how to communicate with the Police if any suspicious activity is detected.
Boatwatch is a very successful voluntary organisation that relies on donations to cover its expenses – mostly third-party insurance. Last year we were able to generate a higher volume of modest donations, and we also recruited some new volunteers. We would like more. Currently, less than half of the people who receive our e-mails participate in Boatwatch patrols, and there are very few younger volunteers. Boatwatch would welcome donations of £10, and – most importantly – more volunteers. Please complete the Form below to indicate whether you would be prepared to lead or join a Boatwatch Patrol.
