BOATERS Graham and Chris arrived at Mercia Marina last night (Tuesday) to be appalled to realise that their narrowboat was missing—it had been stolen.
Not having visited the boat for three weeks they of course had no idea when it had been stolen, but Marina Manager Robert Neff tells us that speaking to adjoining boaters reveals that one of them spoke to a man, to tell him which pontoon was called Moorhen, where the boat was moored, and together with two others saw the man, described as medium build and nondescript, drive off with the boat.
Thought nothing was amiss
The boaters that saw the thief said he knew exactly which boat he was looking for because he went straight to it, used the keys he had to open the hatch, started the engine, unplugged the shore power and cruised off. He was obviously a boater as he drove off and did everything else with confidence.
The neighbours thought nothing of it as they knew the owners were getting work done on the boat and the guy definitely appeared to know the boat.
Stolen
As can be expected, the owners are distraught that their 16 months old new build by Stenson (aka MCC and Midland Canal Centre) has been stolen.
As can be seen from the photograph the boat has a very unusual stern, that should be easily recognisable.
The marina has keys, and confirmed it still has them. The keys were only handed once and that was to a pre-notified and known surveyor and we have a note of the date. The keys were returned on the same day.
The owners had taken the boat to Shobnall, but it was just for a day and then back to the marina. Otherwise, all workmen attended while the owners were present. The boat had been out to Stone and back in late June.
Logo cut in the steel
The boat is not sign written. It is 50ft narrowboat cruiser stern in dark blue, maroon and cream stripes and a cream roof. It has the Stenson logo SB laser cut into the steel.
The blacking, it is understood is matt on one side and shiny the other as one side is over-painted.
Should anyone have any information please contact Mercia Marina on 01283 703332.