Gardaí warn boat owners to beware of engine thefts

Gardaí are warning boat owners to protect their valuable outboard motors after a spate of thefts in the southwest by a highly professional gang, who it’s believed are smuggling them abroad for resale.

The pickings are very lucrative as some outboard engines can be worth up to €50,000.

The gang’s most recent target was Carrigaline boatyard in Co Cork, where they helped themselves to six outboard engines, steering cables, throttle units and control boxes.