Engine covers helps Marine Team reduce stolen motors
Digital print specialists Structure-flex have been providing Norfolk Constabulary’s Marine team with outboard engine cowling for over two years, deterring people from stealing boat engines.
Since the beginning of this partnership two years ago, the Marine team section of Norfolk Constabulary have used the engine covers across Norfolk and Suffolk. In the two years of using these covers, they have seen a significant reduction in stolen outboard engines in marinas and harbours.
To use the cover, boat owners must remove their outboard engine cowling, replacing it with the cover. This means the engine is less attractive to potential thieves, as it would be incomplete.
“The covers reduce the number of victims of crime, reduce insurance pay-outs and Police time and finances in investigating the thefts” says Toby Gosden, Norfolk Marine Team Sergeant.
Norfolk Constabulary have the responsibility of policing over 125 miles of navigational waterways, as well as 90 miles of coastline.
They have a dedicated Marine team which includes two full-time PCs patrolling the Norfolk and Suffolk broads with help from several part-time reserve officers, Special Constables and Police Service Volunteers.
The Marine team tackles theft prevention, anti-social behaviour, missing persons and a range of other incidents on and around the waterways.
The waterproof covers supplied by Structure-flex are manufactured from reinforced and durable PVC. They feature breathable air holes to limit condensation.
They range from £36 to £46 in cost depending on size and they can be used to protect outboard motors worth hundreds or potentially thousands of pounds.
“The feedback from our customers is that the covers are really well made and easy to use. Each one is labelled with ‘Norfolk Constabulary – cowling removed’ to alert any potential thief that the engine is not a viable option to steal” adds Toby.
Structure-flex – established in 1970 – manufacture flexible fabric products for use in transport, packaging and testing. They are one of the UK’s leading suppliers of lorry tension curtains.
Based in Cromer, Structure-flex have one of the largest high-frequency welding and printing facilities for flexible thermoplastics in the UK.
Structure-flex were enthusiastic to help Norfolk Constabulary’s Marine team.
“We’re thrilled to hear that our engine covers have been so successful in helping reduce thefts of outboard engines. We are continuing to work with Norfolk Constabulary, having forged a great relationship with them” says Paul Reeve, Managing Director of Structure-flex.
A list of stockists of the outboard engine cowl covers is available on the boats page of Norfolk Constabularies website: https://www.norfolk.police.uk/advice/roads-and-vehicles/boats
For more information on Structure-flex visit: www.structure-flex.co.uk
