Boat owners should be vigilant and keep an eye on their vessels, a man who suffered a recent robbery said yesterday.

A kayak and snorkelling gear valued at about $400 were stolen from Peter Aldrich’s boat moored at Foot of the Lane, near Trimingham Hill.

Mr Aldrich urged owners to be aware of any suspicious activity around their watercraft and those belonging to others.

He said: “People need to vigilant and check their boats more frequently — and just keep an eye out for each other.”

The victim said the theft, which he believes happened some time in the past month, was the first time his 22-foot boat had been targeted in the ten years he has kept it in the inlet.

Mr Aldrich, 52, said that other boat owners had also been victimised.

He added: “There have been issues from time to time, but it just seems like it’s more frequent within the last couple months.

“One of the challenges at this time of year is that you don’t tend to use your boat as much.

“So it’s very difficult pinpointing exactly when something goes missing.”

Mr Aldrich said that he had heard of similar thefts taking place from boats located in Riddell’s Bay and other spots around the island.

He added that the Bermuda Police Service had reached out.

Mr Aldrich said that he was “stunned” and “impressed” by the proactive response from police after he posted on Facebook about the theft over the weekend.

He added that it was difficult to put the blame for thefts from boats on police.

The Paget resident explained: “They have a lot of other more serious issues to deal with.”

He said the robbery served as a reminder to stay alert.

Mr Aldrich added: “Boating is a little community unto itself. We just look out for each other.”

A spokesman for the BPS encouraged anyone who had been the victim of theft to report the incident.