The vessel was stolen between Saturday evening and Sunday morning
A safety boat worth
thousands of pounds has been stolen from a sailing club in Lancashire.
Thieves broke into the
club’s site between 9.30pm on Saturday and early on Sunday before making off
with the vessel.
The Avon Searider Rib
was mounted on a road trailer, which the thieves used to tow it away.
Replacing the boat
will cost East Lancashire Sailing Club more than £10,000.
Sailing club member
Geoff Peake told the Lancashire Telegraph: “I would have thought it would have
taken them a while to do. They obviously had cutting tools and they only took
that one boat.
“Whoever has taken it
obviously knew what they wanted and knew there was a value. They must have had
quite a substantial vehicle, so if anyone saw anybody towing a boat that night,
I would ask them to contact the police.”
The theft means that
the sailing club will have to cancel some summer programmes if the boat could
not be recovered or replaced.
“During the school
holidays, there are usually more programmes for kids, but potentially we will
have to reduce the opportunities for them to learn to sail,” added Mr Peake.
Local police have
begun an investigation and are appealing for information from the public.
Those with information
regarding the incident should call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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