A KEEN fisherman whose boat was stolen from a Pakenham factory has described the burglars as “rats” for taking his pride and joy.
Josh Winter had his boat stolen after raiders broke into Miles Mechanics and Pakenham Trailers in Bald Hill Road between 5pm on 29 January and 5.30am on 30 January.
Cardinia CIU believes the thieves scaled a cyclone fence to enter a yard, which is shared by both businesses, before forcing entry into the factory where they stole the 5.5m 1996 Seaferer Viking Boat.
Mr Winter said when he was first told about his boat being stolen, he thought it was a joke.
“It was in a locked factory and it still got stolen,” he said.
Mr Winter has had the boat for about three years, and said it was in very good condition and that it would stand out.
He describes himself as a “mad fisherman” who used the boat and its trailer most weekends and during the week.
“It has a big motor, it was in there getting the brakes done,” he said.
“And then these dirty rats have stolen it, it’s probably gone or it might be interstate.”
Detective Senior Constable David Mealia said the boat and trailer were attached to a customer’s Ford ute which was being repaired by Miles Mechanics.
“The offenders have rammed the security gate open with the ute and made off down Bald Hill Road towards the roundabout,” he said.
“At the time the trailer was under repair and subsequently only had two wheels on the double axil trailer.
“As the offenders were towing the boat and trailer, sparks were coming off the trailer scraping the road.”
Police have seen security footage of the offenders through the roundabout of Bald Hill Road and Kooweerup Road at 4.20am, and it is believed they travelled a short distance before crashing the ute into a ditch outside Ridley’s Stockfeed.
“The offenders have arranged for an unknown second vehicle to attend the scene and tow the boat and trailer away,” Sen Const Mealia said.
Police are urging witnesses or anyone with information to help them find the boat and trailer and the people involved to contact Cardinia CIU on 5945 2553.
The Marlin Trailer’s registration number is T80237 and KNO42N is displayed on the side of the boat.
