Boat engines, hard to obtain spare parts and hi-tech fishing nets are disappearing from Muharraq’s jetties in a wave of thefts that has prompted councillors to demand a security crackdown across all sites.
The Muharraq Municipal Council has warned that existing measures, including surveillance cameras, fencing and a limited number of security personnel, are failing to protect fishermen’s valuable equipment.
The main Muharraq, Raya and Hidd jetties have all been targeted, with thieves cutting through fences and exploiting blind spots in camera coverage to gain access and carry out raids.
Council chairman Abdulaziz Al Naar said the current wire deterrent at Muharraq Jetty had become a particular concern, leaving the facility vulnerable to more intruders.
“The fencing has been cut and torn by the thieves,” he said.
Mr Al Naar warned that the problem could not be tackled effectively without addressing weaknesses in the physical barriers protecting the jetties and strengthening security on the ground.
Councillors said the thefts were affecting fishermen who depend on their boats and equipment for their livelihoods, with the loss of engines and specialised parts potentially causing costly disruptions to their work.
His remarks pointed to a wider problem that could not be resolved through fencing and cameras alone, with councillors stressing the need to identify those responsible and prevent further losses.
The council believes that the combination of damaged fences, inadequate surveillance coverage and insufficient manpower has left the jetties exposed, despite existing security arrangements.
Councillors want stronger monitoring and better protection of access points, alongside the installation of new cameras capable of operating independently of permanent electricity supplies.
Services and public utilities committee chairman Fadhel Al Oud said solar-powered security cameras could provide an immediate solution at Raya Jetty while officials worked towards installing permanent electricity and water connections.
He said positive responses had been received from the authorities, but thefts had continued in recent weeks, underlining the need for urgent action.
“We need solar-powered surveillance cameras until the fuel station at Raya Jetty is operational and electricity can be connected,” Mr Al Oud said.
He added that the temporary arrangements were necessary while official electricity and water connections were being put in place.
Mr Al Oud also questioned whether the existing security presence was adequate to protect the facilities.
“One security guard is not enough,” he said, calling for measures that would provide more effective protection against intruders.
Councillor Ahmed Al Meghawi raised concerns about ‘inside jobs’, alleging that some boat owners were stealing equipment from fellow fishermen at different harbours.
“For fishermen, the concern is not simply the loss of equipment but the risk that repeated thefts could undermine their ability to earn a living,” he added.
“We call for immediate safeguards to stop the raids while longer-term infrastructure and security improvements are put in place at Muharraq, Raya and Hidd jetties.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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