Police launch their annual assault on marine crime - known as Operation Jetsam - on Saturday.

The initiative, first carried out in 1999, begins just in time for the summer season which every year sees a soaring rise in the number of boat thefts in and around the Carrick Roads.

The operation has had considerable success over the years in tackling marine crime and is aided by the co-operation of boat owners.

Detective Constable Russ Hall says this year they are being urged to register their property at the police station free of charge. They can also gain valuable security advice from crime prevention leaflets that will be distributed as part of the initiative.

Besides theft prevention, officers from various agencies will stop and search boats, checking for the smuggling of drugs and illegal immigrants, poaching and other fishing offences.

On land, marked and unmarked police vehicles will patrol coastal roads, marinas, harbours and boat yards, while officers will stop check any vehicles seen towing boats and trailers.

"The operation aims to reduce and detect marine crime but also to provide crime prevention advice and make the public more aware about what they can do to protect their property," said DC Hall.

"By sharing skills, resources and information we have built up a huge picture of crime around the coastline."