Aug 5, 2025

By Mathew Channer

Image: Shutterstock

A 20-foot SmokerCraft and trailer were stolen from its owner’s driveway in Meaford, Ontario last week, the latest in a spree of boat thefts in the area.

In June, a 16-foot vessel was stolen from a recreational sporting business in Grande-Digue, New Brunswick, and a Tahoe craft and trailer were stolen from a residential property in St Vincent’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.

In Ottawa, a trailered 22-foot Princecraft Tri-hull pontoon boat was stolen between June 10 and June 11.

Boating Ontario has issued several other alerts for stolen boats and PWCs in the last two months, and boats have also been reported stolen in Alberta and British Columbia.

Police are urging boat owners to remain vigilant, even in rural areas, as trailered boats are often stolen from owner’s driveways.

The RCMP says cooperation with authorities is critical for preventing theft and recovering stolen vessels, and suggests owners should record their vessel’s serial numbers, take photographs, and promptly report suspicious behaviour.

Recently, a 25-foot vessel that was reported stolen in Alberta in 2022 was recovered by Kelowna RCMP on Okanagan Lake and returned to its original owner with ‘minimal damage’.

RCMP tips to prevent trailered boat theft include:

• Park trailers in secure, well-lit areas, not easily visible from roads.
• Use wheel locks and hitch locks to prevent easy towing.
• Install motion-sensor lighting or security cameras near trailer storage locations.
• Etch unique identifiers or serial numbers onto the trailer frame.
• Keep a record of vessel and trailer details including VIN, license plate, and photos to assist police.

Anyone with information on stolen vessels should call RCMP or Crime Stoppers.

Sources: CTV News