It's reported police have stepped up patrols around the port of Papeete in French Polynesia.
Officials have told the Tahitipresse news agency the police presence is aimed at putting off thieves who've been breaking into vessels moored there.
A former president of the Skippers' Association of French Polynesia is reported as saying twenty thefts have taken place since the beginning of the month.
Port authorities are to increase the number of police patrolling the seafront in Papeete.
French Polynesia - with only three bank hold-ups in its history - is relatively free of crime but the tourist industry fears the targeting of visitors could deter would-be customers.
