In the north-east of the state, the total number of cases rose to 198 in 2024, compared to 155 in the previous year. The popular water sports regions around the Mecklenburg Lake District were particularly affected. The focus of the offences was on the theft of boat engines. A total of 113 boat engines were stolen or damaged in an attempt to steal them.
The majority of these were outboards, which are often unsecured or inadequately secured against theft and are therefore relatively easy to dismantle. They were not only stolen from boats lying in the water. The waterway police also recorded similar offences from boats stored on land or their engines during the winter break.
Diverse targets
Other objects were also targeted by criminals. In 45 cases, non-motorised boats and water sports equipment were the target of the thieves, while boat accessories were stolen in 40 cases. In 24 cases, attempts were made to steal complete boats, some of which were successful.
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The amount of damage in the area of boat crime in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern rose significantly compared to the previous year. It amounted to around 971,000 euros in 2024, compared to 647,000 euros in 2023. This increase is due to both the higher number of cases and the increased theft of preferably expensive motor models.
Seasonal focus
The analysis of the number of cases also shows clear seasonal focal points. A significant increase in the number of thefts was recorded as early as March 2024. The months with the highest number of cases were March to May and the late summer of August and September. According to the waterway police and the State Office of Criminal Investigation, this is closely linked to the water sports season and the associated easier availability of boats. The number of cases fell in the winter months, when many boats and equipment are stored in more protected areas.
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Regional hotspots
As in previous years, the area of responsibility of the Neubrandenburg police headquarters was significantly more affected by boat crime than that of the Rostock police headquarters. The main reason for this is the higher number of inland lakes in this region, which offer more opportunities for offences. Once again, the Mecklenburg Lake District was particularly badly affected and has emerged as a hotspot for boat crime.
Examples of incidents
To illustrate the range of offences, here are a few specific cases: On the night of 19 to 20 March 2024, five boat engines were stolen from the grounds of a marina in Neustrelitz, including a 50 hp engine and several smaller units. The perpetrators expertly dismantled the outboard motors and cut the steering cables. Another notable case occurred on 29 February 2024 in Barth harbour, where unknown persons attempted to steal a high-quality motor yacht. The theft of a 14-metre motor yacht from Rostock city harbour on the night of 17 to 18 May 2024 was particularly brazen.
Preventive measures
In view of the increasing number of cases, the waterway police and the State Office of Criminal Investigation have issued important prevention advice for boat owners. It is recommended to maintain close contact with neighbours and harbour masters and to always secure boats and equipment carefully. Valuables should be removed from the boat and outboard motors should also be secured. Coding boat engines and maritime equipment at the local waterway police station can make it easier to identify them in the event of theft and deter potential thieves.
What the police advise boat owners to do
- Contact: Keep in close contact with your jetty neighbours and harbour master
- Securing: Lock the boat and lockers properly, even if you are away for a short time
- Valuables: Remove from board
- Additional securing: Secure the boat and outboard motor with chains and other locks
- Fittings: Use robust door, window and hatch fittings
- Outboard motors: Remove from board when not in use or store in a safe place
- Coding: Have the outboard motor and equipment coded by the water police
- Documentation: Take photos of the boat, outboard motor, serial numbers and equipment
- Papers: Do not leave original boat papers on board
- Boat passport: Keep an additional boat passport with all details outside the boat
- Used boats: Make sure the hull number (CIN) is intact when buying
- Report: Report every theft and attempt to the police
- Consultancy: Take advantage of free advice from criminal investigation advice centres
