Police Snatch Back £60K Stolen Disabled Access Boat in Dramatic Recovery
Hampshire police have pulled off a cracking recovery, tracking down a £60,000 stolen boat and reuniting it with its grateful owners. The Ellingham Water Ski and Wakeboard Club near Ringwood were left gutted after thieves snatched their brand new, specially adapted Centurion Carbon Pro overnight on Monday.
High-Tech Boat Targeted Overnight
The rare vessel, adapted for disabled users, disappeared from the water sometime between 6.30pm Monday and 8.30am Tuesday, leaving club members devastated. The boat’s trailer vanished alongside it, adding to the blow.
Marine Unit Cracks Case Thanks to Community Tips
PC Matt Gransden of Hampshire Constabulary’s Marine Unit hailed the success as “fantastic,” crediting vital info from Project Kraken, a national marine watch group. He explained:
“Following really good information from a member of our marine community, through Project Kraken, we tracked down the boat intact at a disused industrial site in Ringwood. The owners are absolutely thrilled.”
Gransden also praised the partnership with local waterway users:
“We work closely with key marine stakeholders, sharing intel and acting on their tips. They are our eyes on the water, and thanks to them, we achieve results like this recovery.”
Owners Relieved and Back in Business
Chris Mullins, club owner, was over the moon to get the prized boat back. He told us:
“Boats do go missing around here, so Hampshire Police have done an excellent job tracking it down, especially hidden away in a hangar like this.”
The recovery marks a big win for marine security and disabled access watersports enthusiasts alike.
