Boat engine thieves target Killarney

Gardaí are trying to track thieves who stole eight outboard engines from angler and passenger boats near Ross Castle, Killarney, one of the country’s best-known tourist attractions.

The engines, with a total value of around €15,000, were reported stolen in recent days.

Gardaí said it would have taken considerable time and effort to detach the engines from the boats.

Some were taken from boats moored in the canal and Ross Pier, while others were out on the lake.

Sgt Tom Tobin, Killarney, said it was obviously a planned operation involving a number of people.

“They had to paddle out 50 to 100 metres to get to some of the boats and would need to balance safely to transfer the engines from one boat to another,” said Sgt Tobin.

“They needed tools to take off the engines, some of which are quite heavy. A vehicle was also needed to transport them.”

Boat owners were advised in recent weeks to secure their outboard motors amid an increase in engine thefts around the country.

Many of the thefts are linked to international operations. Europewide, the estimated loss to boat owners on a yearly basis is €75m.

It has been claimed that eastern European gangs target Ireland and ship the motors to Baltic countries for resale.

Simon Lofting, chairman of the International Association of Marine Investigators, said part of the gang go on a spotting mission, logging locations of targets on GPS. They pass the co-ordinates to other gang members, who visit target sites and steal the engines.

Some of the engines stolen in Co Kerry were in the 15hp range, while others were 4hp to 6hp.

The bigger engines are well-known brands, including Yamaha, Honda, and Mariner, and were taken from passenger boats used to take tourists on trips on the lakes and to Lord Brandon’s Cottage at Gearhameen.

The other engines, including Dahl products, were on anglers’ boats moored around the castle.

Mr Lofting advised boat owners to take a picture of the vessel and the engine. “They should note the serial numbers and use data tagging or micro-dotting,” he said. “Micro-chipping can cost as little as €20.”

Gardaí have asked anybody approached to buy engines to contact them. They have advised people with boats at Ross Castle to carry out immediate checks.

Gardaí are keen to hear from anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious in the Ross Castle area between 6pm on Wednesday and 10am on Thursday. Killarney gardaí can be contacted at 064 667 1160.