Modern pirates strike again: boats and engines stolen!

Modern pirates strike again: boats and engines stolen!

Retzow, Deutschland - In the tranquil Lychen region, a new case of boating theft causes excitement. On June 30, the Uckermark police inspection informed about the theft of two motor boats on Lake Lychen. The perpetrators not only stole the engines, but even ensured that the boats were rediscovered with the keel up on the lake. A third engine, estimated at around 3,000 euros, also fell victim to a long finger in the Retzow district. With all these actions, a total of several thousand euros occurred, and that quickly speaks around, so that you wonder: where is the security on our waters?

The situation not only commemorates the famous stories of pirates, but also throws a shadow on the current conditions in the maritime world. According to Krimpedia, modern piracy is far more than just stealing boats. It also includes acts of violence, robbery and even hostage frames on the high seas, and often as a result of economic difficulties and weak state structures.

an increase in maritime crime?

Especially in recent years there has been an increase in piracy events in various regions, which, according to Statista, is often attributed to economic instability and high unemployment in the affected areas. While the number of registered raids on merchant ships has dropped in recent years, the concern for security remains in maritime areas. The highlight of global piracy was reached in 2010 with 445 raids, with the number in 2022 to 115. Despite this positive development, the waters in regions such as the Gulf of Guinea and the street of Singapore remain critical. The most common attacks occurred here in 2022.

The motifs behind such attacks are often complex. The thieves, which are now motorized leisure boats, follow a trend that has been observed over and over again for centuries. As Krimpedia described, piracy was historically closely connected to social and economic conditions and experienced its heyday, especially in the Caribbean during the 16th to 19th centuries. So piracy and the associated forms of theft are not new, but the way it takes place today, experiences a new dimension through globalization.

Strengthen security on waters

What makes the situation particularly alarming? The fact that such acts take place even in calm German waters such as Lake Lychen. The damage caused by the stolen boat engines should be a clear signal for both the police and the boot owners to increase their safety precautions. The police have already reacted and informed the water protection police so that such criminal activities can be better monitored.

The security situation therefore remains a sensitive topic. It is up to all of us to take care of our waters together - whether more visibility on the water, video surveillance or neighborhood guards. With a watchful eye, we may prevent future attacks and ensure that the charm and the safety of our beloved lakes will not come under pressure.