In March, vandals caused around £50,000 worth of damage to 54 boats in Elizabeth Marina. Inflatables were slashed, boat covers were ripped and mooring ropes cut.
Last year, there were several thefts at St Helier Marina after boats were broken into. These thefts led to the decision by Harbours to upgrade the current security system, which is expected to cost around £200,000.
But St Helier Boat Owners Association chairman Mike Stevens believes that even the most sophisticated security system will not resolve the problem. ‘The problem will not resolve unless the anti-social behaviour of the minority can be addressed,’ he said. ‘I think there should be stiffer punishment for those found to be causing blatant malicious damage.’
