6m Ribeye - Yamaha F100 - Warsash, Hampshire - 7th July 2009 - Page 2

Solent Ribman · 11 July 2009, 15:49

The people that did this were obviously organised. Both the hitch lock and the wheel clamp, were `torched' off. We have found the locks scattered around the garden!
The police forensic guy that came, said he had never seen any similar method of removal [there are some curious deformities on the shackle] in all his years of investigating. I am intending to take some photos and post them on the site later.

Have spoken to a number of folk and it seems that no matter what steps we had taken to secure the boat, if they were that determined it wouldn't have stopped them! The advise is to put as many barriers in the way to stop the thieves getting to your kit. The more locks etc they have to break, the longer they are on the scene, the higher the risk of getting caught.

I know it is too late now, but we are taking a serious look at our general security arrangements to see how we can improve protection and reduce risk.

A small point, we spoke to a well known trailer supplier and they offered a good bit of info, concerning the hitch lock. We fitted one with a large external hoop, which of course gave easy access for the thieves. The better design, is the type that fits up into the socket, which you then use an allen key to expand within the socket, then put the key lock into the hole. I guess they might be able to drill the lock out, but am sure this will take longer than torching the hoop!

grateful for any bright ideas.

JSP · 11 July 2009, 15:57

Can't offer any better security advice (except a bloody big dog!) but I hope your insurance sorts you out soon and things start to look up for you with regards to RIBing!

Hightower · 11 July 2009, 17:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Solent Ribman

A small point, we spoke to a well known trailer supplier and they offered a good bit of info, concerning the hitch lock. We fitted one with a large external hoop, which of course gave easy access for the thieves. The better design, is the type that fits up into the socket, which you then use an allen key to expand within the socket, then put the key lock into the hole. I guess they might be able to drill the lock out, but am sure this will take longer than torching the hoop!

grateful for any bright ideas.

That's all well and good till they put a heavy chain through your A frame and shackel this to their towbar.

If they want it they'll probably get it in the end.

neilda · 11 July 2009, 18:30

Having had lawnmowers stolen from outbuildings at home, I recently fitted a CCTV system which wasn't ruinously expensive. There is an argument that this does nothing except give you a video of your stuff being nicked, but it is evidence from which a conviction can be secured. It might also put some people off trying to take your things too.

In terms of protecting a boat on a driveway, I wonder if a removable/lockable post set in concrete would be of any use?

I'm out a couple of times this week and will definitely be keeping an eye open as I also have Ribeye...

Hightower · 11 July 2009, 21:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by neilda

Having had lawnmowers stolen from outbuildings at home, I recently fitted a CCTV system which wasn't ruinously expensive. There is an argument that this does nothing except give you a video of your stuff being nicked, but it is evidence from which a conviction can be secured. It might also put some people off trying to take your things too.

In terms of protecting a boat on a driveway, I wonder if a removable/lockable post set in concrete would be of any use?

I'm out a couple of times this week and will definitely be keeping an eye open as I also have Ribeye...

CCTV wouldn't be an option in most residental areas. I have an eye set in the concrete driveway which is secured by a motorcycle chain to the trailer. But this is more to proove to the insurance company that I took every precaution in protecting my boat so they have no excuse to not pay out. As for the post Idea, it's a real good un. But again if they want it, then it won't stand in the theiving scums way either.

PeteH · 11 July 2009, 22:08

I hope you get it back i feel for you.

Here a vid on how the shites can get away with your pride and joy,ok it not a boat but all the same its a bloody cheek these can get away with it.
The vid is 10 mins long from what i can gather there was 2 wheel locks alarm and a post...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2M62f8phLc

spartacus · 13 July 2009, 18:07

Horrendous. The boat looks fantastic. Hopefully everything goes okay with the insurance.

Given this has happened, it's maybe worth looking at an alternative way of securing it, such as dry-stack, or house it in a large garage. More often than not, what was an oppotunistic 'scout' by potential thieves will turn into a full-recce. Did you have leaflets delivered a couple of weeks prior to the theft (not via Royal Mail), or cold-calling from a stranger? It's all a front to get a closer look at the job in hand. I honestly hope those bu**ers get caught.

There has even been suggestions of fitting a tracker-device. Something I would consider for a £20K+ boat.

Good luck.

Paul Cannell · 14 July 2009, 09:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Solent Ribman

The people that did this were obviously organised. Both the hitch lock and the wheel clamp, were `torched' off. We have found the locks scattered around the garden!
The police forensic guy that came, said he had never seen any similar method of removal [there are some curious deformities on the shackle] in all his years of investigating. I am intending to take some photos and post them on the site later.

Using a portapak oyx/ acetalene with a gas axe is now very common for the 'Pikey' scum, it's silent and will cut the toughest of metals in second, they just gas axe the clamp etc & triple-lock ball hitch off and chain it to the back of a tranny van.

Robox · 14 July 2009, 12:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mollers

Sit tight, after they've run it in a bit a rough water they'll probably bring it back.

I think you will find that this was sarcasm and not optimism.

Sorry to hear about the theft of your boat, i hope you get things sorted quickly one way or the other.

markg · 15 July 2009, 00:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul Cannell

Using a portapak oyx/ acetalene with a gas axe is now very common for the 'Pikey' scum, it's silent and will cut the toughest of metals in second, they just gas axe the clamp etc & triple-lock ball hitch off and chain it to the back of a tranny van.

the only thing that deters pikeys is dogs barking, thats why pikey sites are always littered with dogs, they will nick dogs as well if they dont bark at strangers, our lab turns into the hound of the baskervilles at the sight of anyone new but if she knows you she is soft as grease

PeterM · 16 July 2009, 17:12

Martin- just realised looking at the picture the bow tube has been cut away so I am seeing the inside of the bow section ! I think it may be beyond repair - but a ' tube expert' on here may be able to give better advice & how much it may cost .

JSP · 16 July 2009, 17:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blackroady

Martin- just realised looking at the picture the bow tube has been cut away so I am seeing the inside of the bow section ! I think it may be beyond repair - but a ' tube expert' on here may be able to give better advice & how much it may cost .

Have you replied to the wrong thread or have I missed something?

PeterM · 16 July 2009, 18:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSP

Have you replied to the wrong thread or have I missed something?

A long story which I will let solentribman explain - suffice to say some of it ( the big plastic & inflatable bit ) has been found , unfortunatley thats the only bit.

JSP · 16 July 2009, 18:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blackroady

A long story which I will let solentribman explain - suffice to say some of it ( the big plastic & inflatable bit ) has been found , unfortunatley thats the only bit.

Shit

neilda · 16 July 2009, 18:42

Bastids.

Mollers · 16 July 2009, 19:33

[QUOTE=Robox;304418] I think you will find that this was sarcasm and not optimism.

How dare you!

Good luck with any future developments.

Jizm · 17 July 2009, 07:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blackroady

A long story which I will let solentribman explain - suffice to say some of it ( the big plastic & inflatable bit ) has been found , unfortunatley thats the only bit.

Double sh1t!

Sorry to hear that, makes me sick.....

spartacus · 17 July 2009, 23:08

Pikey bast*rds.

I've been following this thread - and it makes me sick to my stomach. Why can't the boating industry introduce some sort of licensing system, so that boats and engines for sale need associated paperwork, and proof of previous insurance (bit like proof of a no-claims bonus). Also ferry-ports should be asking for some sort of ID, especially where trailers are being hauled. I for one would not mind the inconvenience if I knew it was keeping some low-life at fook'n arms-length.

Glad I got that off my chest.

Solent Ribman · 28 September 2009, 21:57

Firstly, thanks for all your messages.

For those still on the lookout, you won't find the RIB. The hull and damaged tube were dumped in the garden of an empty property 6 miles away! It had been completely stripped of everything. Obviously easier to sell in bits.

Insurance company took just over two months to cough up, so we missed most of the summer [that we didn't have].

My thanks go to one member of the forum, who gave me invaluable assistance with the insurance claim. I won't name him, as he has been thanked personally and I am sure he doesn't want to be inundated. It just shows how valuable the forum can be.

Hope to meet some of you out there sometime.

Thanks again
Solent Ribman

IBWET · 29 September 2009, 07:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hightower

CCTV wouldn't be an option in most residental areas. I have an eye set in the concrete driveway which is secured by a motorcycle chain to the trailer. But this is more to proove to the insurance company that I took every precaution in protecting my boat so they have no excuse to not pay out. As for the post Idea, it's a real good un. But again if they want it, then it won't stand in the theiving scums way either.

There are also legal implications regarding this use of this evidence,you need to warn the crim that he will be recorded (with a sign) the sign is a very good deterrent in it's own right. A big chain is obvious, but he knows what he has to do. A camera or camera's that might catch his face will be a an additional threat to his freedom, together both measures might make the boat just too hard to nick.