MARINE police have announced a bold new move in their battle against one of the commonest crimes against boat-owners.

The theft of expensive outboard motors from boats is a big problem and, as the yachting season gets under way, sailors are being urged to make their boats less attractive to thieves.

Officers from the Essex Police Marine Unit, based in Burnham, are offering boat owners new, soft outboard motor covers to replace the engines’ protective top cowlings when they are not being used.

Police Community Support Officer Susie Smith, who is part of the unit will be contacting sailing clubs and marinas across the county offering the covers, which cost £11.50, £12.50 and £35 depending on size and are emblazoned with the Essex Police logo.

She said: “It’s about public awareness and preventing theft in the first place.”