Outboard motor thieves strike again

The theft of two outboard engines from a fishing boat in north Norfolk at the weekend, comes just weeks after a crime prevention initiative was launched further along the cost following a spate of marine motor raids.

The theft of two outboard engines from a fishing boat in north Norfolk at the weekend, comes just weeks after a crime prevention initiative was launched further along the cost following a spate of marine motor raids.

Two Honda engines were taken from the catamaran of Sea Palling fisherman Dean Ellis, when it was parked in a field off Clink Road.

His partner Kirsty Ritchie said the theft meant Mr Ellis could not go to sea until �6,000 replacements had been found. The theft happened over Friday night, just three days after an attempt to steal the engines.

'All the bolts had loosened and the thieves may have been disturbed,' she added. 'When they came back the boat had been moved to somewhere we thought was safer, but they still took the engines - they were determined.'

Police forensic checks from the first attempted theft showed the thieves had been wearing gloves.

Last month Norfolk police responded to a spate of 14 outboard thefts in the past year by launching a scheme at Wells.

Boat owners can buy �10 breathable covers to replace their motor cowlings overnight - leaving potential thieves with a less saleable incomplete engine.

Anyone with information about the latest theft should contact police on 0845 456 4567.