Hello all we have received the following information via the MBSA.
Graham.
Dear All,
Further to our AGM on Tuesday 26th I have been in communication with Kent
Police who have provided an important update which I have agreed to
circulate as a matter or urgency.
Ribs and Outboards
Kent Police have advised that due to a restriction on the supply of large
ribs and outboards across Europe at the current time there is a heightened
risk that we may see an increase in the number of thefts of these items
from our clubs and moorings taking place over the coming months. Therefore,
members are asked to advise their club members to photograph any ribs and
outboards that they have in particular any serial numbers contained on the
items and keep these photos in a safe place. It is also likely that we will
see more immigrants being brought to the UK by yacht and motorboats. If a
member has any of their equipment stolen, or sees large numbers of people
leaving a vessel can they please be asked to report it to Kent Police using
their online form and email Peter details of the crime reference number so that
this can be flagged to the Kent Marine Unit.
Drugs:
In the past few weeks there has been an increase in the number of packages
containing drugs being dropped overboard from large container and merchant
ships as they passage up the South East Coast and in particular up past the
Thames near the Windfarms. With the recent strong winds some of these
packages have ended up in the Thames Estuary and the edges of the Medway.
These packages contain trackers which enable the UK gangs to recover the
packages containing drugs when the weather permits. Kent Police has asked
that if you see any suspicious packages that you contact them immediately
ideally with the co-ordinates of the location of the package. Only if you
feel safe to do so and there is no other vessels around secure the package
aboard and return it to the shore, advising the police on route where you
will be landing the package and they will arrange for you to be meet either
by the Police or UK Border Force Officers. Please be aware that the people
wishing to collect such passages are likely to be dangerous so please don’t
put your self at risk.
We are making arrangements for specialist officers that deal in both of
these areas to attend our next Business Meeting on 25th March 2025 at the
Segas Sailing Club.
Kind regards
Peter Norris, Fellow ABYA
Chairman
Medway and Swale Boating Association
