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Thirty seven stolen boats worth more than one million dollars have been recovered as a part of the ongoing NSW Police operation "Tingchow", targeting vessel theft and rebirthing.
Fourteen people have been arrested and charged with 81 offences including goods in custody, firearms offences and receiving stolen goods.
In one instance, a rebirthed motor vehicle was also discovered with an assault rifle, shotgun and quantity of ammunition inside. Hardly standard tackle for going after flathead.
Acting Marine Area Commander Superintendent Terry Dalton said those people responsible for vessel theft are targeting boats and trailers ranging in value from $20-60,000. "Operation Tingchow is an ongoing operation. Police are working with key partners such as the Waterways Authority, insurance companies, manufacturers and most importantly the NSW boating public to reduce the incidence of a crime," Superintendent Dalton said. "The NSW Police Marine Area Command continues to work with other national and international law enforcement agencies as vessel rebirthing is a universal problem. "One of the other aims of Operation Tingchow is to educate prospective and current boat owners in theft prevention measures.
A number of areas, including the current system of boat coding, is under review. "Those responsible for vessel theft are using a variety of methods to defraud the system and the boating public should always verify the ownership credentials of the vessel being purchased. We advise caution particularly if purchasing through mediums such as classified advertising or the Internet." Superintendent Dalton said if prospective purchasers were in genuine doubt about the validity of a boat's markings they should contact their local water police station.
Anyone with information on all forms of marine crime should contact Operation Neptune on 1 800 658 784. All information will be treated in the strictest of confidence.
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