Exmouth police are warning boat owners to be vigilant. Officers believe a number of vessels have been tampered with, and left to float away.
Exmouth police are warning that boats moored off Shelley Beach could be deliberately tampered with.
Officers believe someone is releasing the boats by interfering with the vessels’ lines and chains at low water.
The police are asking anyone who spots someone acting suspiciously in the area, to get in touch.
Police community support officer Karen Capey said: “The Lower Exe Mooring Authority have a CCTV camera in situ at the sailing club overlooking Shelley Beach.
“Whilst in conversation with them it is believed that a person or persons may be tampering with the lines and chains at low water, then the boats float away on the incoming tide.”
A boat previously reported missing by Exmouth police has been successfully reunited with its owner.
The vessel, called Kata, was found further up the estuary at Lympstone and returned.
PCSO Capey added: “There was also a dinghy that went missing at the same time, not reported to police.
“This was also found floating on the estuary and returned to its owner.”
Contact the police with information on 101, or 999 if it is an emergency.
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