Trent & Mersey Canal targeted by thieves

SUCH as been the increase in thefts along the stretch of the Trent & Mersey Canal from Shardlow to Willington, that a Canal Watch scheme has been extended to cover the area.

Moored boats on the waterway have been broken into, one three times, with countless items being stolen over the last few months, which has now caused the police to extend the Canal Watch scheme first set up by Mercia Marina, to offer protection to its customers. Thefts have been reported from boats moored outside the Malt Shovel/New Inn at Shardlow, pictured.

18 miles

The beat officer for Repton, Willington and Findern, Chris Fearn tells that the operation will now cover the 18 miles of the waterway in South Derbyshire, pointing out that the Mercia scheme had been very successful, and so it was decided to cover the whole waterway under the police jurisdiction.

The scheme will give an opportunity for boaters to sign up for a community messaging service called Ringmaster, with stickers to put in boat windows and a UV pen to mark property so it can be identified if stolen, with Chris remarking:

Safe operation

"This is not just about crimes, it is about the safe operation of the canal system. We want to bring everyone involved under one umbrella and make things as easy and useful as possible."

Application packs are now available from Mercia, Stenson and Shardlow marinas.