BOAT owners who use the Deben are joining forces to tackle marine crime.A new neighbourhood watch-style partnership of owners is being launched to cut the number of thefts and marine-related crime in the waterways around Woodbridge and Felixstowe.

BOAT owners who use the Deben are joining forces to tackle marine crime.

A new neighbourhood watch-style partnership of owners is being launched to cut the number of thefts and marine-related crime in the waterways around Woodbridge and Felixstowe.

Every day up to 20 boats or leisure craft are stolen in the UK and so far this year there have been about 30 crimes, including theft and damage to crafts, on the waterways around Woodbridge and Felixstowe.

Deben Watch, which is to be launched at Woodbridge Cruising Club on Saturday , will aim to reduce the opportunity for crime by improving security and awareness around moorings, marinas, boatyards and other places where boats and marine equipment are kept.

It is hoped it will also generate a community spirit which leads to people using the Deben to look out for the property of others and to help catch the perpetrators of marine crime.

The scheme has been set up in conjunction with Suffolk Constabulary and is supported by Suffolk Coastal District Council and the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership.

The launch is invitation only but anyone who is interested in attending can contact Lawrence Thomson on 01473 612188 to book a place.

Weblink: www.debenwatch.co.uk

N Are you a boat owner who has been a victim of marine crime? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send us an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.