AUCKLAND PROBLEM

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 182, 30 April 1936, Page 13

AUCKLAND PROBLEM

Thefts From Small Craft In Harbour Bv Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, April 29. Thefts from launches and yachts, several of which have been reported recently, are' causing much concern among owners of small craft, and the absence of a night patrol of any kind, it is contended, places owners of boats at the mercy of thieves. Irrespective of the actual theft of articles the damage done by thieves who raid small boats is considerable when spread over the year, and in addition there is the inconvenience caused to owners. Some of the thieves are apparently willing to take risks. One owner recently discovered that several of them had held a party on his boat. Most of the thefts from small boats are confined to provisions, blankets, cut-lery-'and crockery, but there have been instances where engines have been removed from launches. The construction of a small boat is not such that it offers much resistance, even in the best boats, and it is quite an easy matter for anyone to prise open any door or cupboard. Boat owners point out that it is unreasonable to expect them to exercise a watch nightly over their boats, but they consider that some authority—the Marine Department, harbour board, or the police—should establish a patrol at night which wduld at least minimise thefts and damage. The fact that the subject of thefts from launches and yachts at Auckland wag mentioned in Parliament by Mr. IV. P. Endean. member for Parnell. last week, has brought a ray of hope to boat owners. Mr. Endean has asked the Minister of Marine to give the matter serious consideration and it may be that protection will be provided.