Between January and August this year, 477 boat thefts were reported in the country. This can be compared to 435 during the same period last year, an increase of 9.7 percent. When it comes to boat engine thefts, the number of reports has risen from 581 last year to 706 this year, an increase of 21.5 percent. This is shown by statistics from the Crime Prevention Council (Brå) compiled by the insurance company Dina Försäkringar.
"Behind these thefts are often international gangs. The increase suggests that they have started to return to Sweden now that travel and movement across borders are possible again. During the pandemic, reports of boat-related thefts decreased significantly," says Mia Winberg, insurance expert at Dina Försäkringar in a press release.
Rino Carlsson is the national coordinator for boat cooperation at the Police Authority. He shares the view of a trend break, but is not so surprised by the development.
The boat-related thefts have decreased greatly since 2017. We thought it would increase sharply again immediately after the pandemic, but it hasn't quite done so. From that perspective, the development we're seeing now is not so surprising, he says.
According to Rino Carlsson, it's difficult to say what the development is due to. But it's clear that international networks are behind the crime.
When is the risk of being affected the greatest?
In connection with launching in the spring and lifting in the autumn, thefts occur most, so then there's reason to be extra cautious, says Rino Carlsson.
Mark your engine with hidden and visible marking. Many boat companies around Sweden perform this. If you engrave a marking yourself, a personal identification number is better than a name.
Make sure to anchor your boat with an approved lock.
GPS/GSM/VHF tracking devices are crime-preventing. Check with your insurance company which type they approve.
Make it difficult for the thief when the boat is on land. Regular surveillance is important.
Thefts often occur when it's dark – good lighting is therefore important.
Try to "think like a thief" – find the weak links and prevent them.
Keep an eye on each other's boats
Source: The Police Authority
Boat thefts Jan – Aug, countrywide
2024: 477
2023: 435
2022: 457
2021: 663
2020: 740
Boat engine thefts, Jan – Aug, countrywide
2024: 706
2023: 581
2022: 846
2021: 915
2020: 1,176
Source: Crime Prevention Council/Dina Försäkringar
