Scheme to curb boat thefts

A multi-agency red alert initiative has been launched in a West Cork peninsula aimed at preventing expensive equipment being stolen from boats berthed locally.

Highly organised gangs are targeting coastal areas and stealing equipment, especially powerful outboard motors, to be re-sold abroad, gardaí believe.

The Mizen peninsula has been among the areas worst affected in recent years. Operating in an almost military fashion, thieves conduct recces before they strike.