French Polynesia, Tahiti: Yachts burgled at Marina Papeete – August 2017
Published 7 years ago, updated 5 years ago
There have been a series of thefts from boats tied up at Marina Papeete in the last week.
Last night (28 August 2017) we awoke to shouts on the dock (at the floating pontoons close to the marina office) but could see nothing. Checked our boat and all seemed in order. We could see nothing and no-one at that point and went back to bed.
This morning I realized that my purse had been emptied of cash and that two old devices used for music storage had gone. The theft must have happened in the early hours of Tuesday morning – between midnight and 1 o’clock I think.
The shouting was traced to a boat at the far end of the pontoon where the owner had disturbed someone trying to pick the lock on their door. The thieves ran away, climbed the marina fence and disappeared into the park.
Another boat next to us had a phone and wallet stolen last week.
We are on the pontoon closest to the marina office, about 80m from the security gate.
The saloon door was closed but not locked.
The stolen cash was in my purse, in my handbag, in the saloon – the thieves left credit cards etc. alone. Computers and iPads were also in the saloon, but weren’t taken. The small devices taken were in a basket used for holding them as they charge, above the chart table.
Be aware security here is minimal. There is one guy on a bike and once he cycles past, thieves can easily climb the fencing around the gate.
I have made a report to the local police and also to the marina management, particularly as the lighting in the promenade area, which runs parallel to the pontoon, is not working and the area is very dark at night.
Trish Elkins
Update:
We have been away from Papeete for a week or so. On our return, there is barbed wire around the top of the fence where the thieves climbed over a few weeks ago, but two neighbouring boats were burgled last night.
The lights along the park area here, parallel to the pontoon, are still not working. We have been in the area for 6 weeks, and they have not worked at all. Very dark – a thieves’ paradise it seems.
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Related to following destinations: French Polynesia
Related to the following Cruising Resources: Piracy & Security
Hello Trish,
It is indeed unpleasant to have someone enter your boat at night and take some possessions.
Thank you for your post, it has been taken very seriously as Tahiti has had a good reputation for security for some time now.
The marina in Papeete is a good set-up with comfortable pontoons, elec, water and right in town so access to everything.
The management has taken action to keep this marina secure and welcoming to international sailors like yourself.
The fencing around the gate has been lengthened by a good metre or more to make climbing in or out no longer an option.
Tahiti and her islands do from time to time have problems with theft of dingys/outboards as well as personal items. Generally, theft is prevented by locks and keys, and is never violent.
Don’t let recent events deter you from your stop in Papeete!
kind regards,
Nikki
http://www.sailtahiti.com