RCMP are reminding boaters to keep track of the serial numbers of your watercraft, following a string of thefts of Zodiac boats from marina's around Vancouver Island. (Dreamstime)

By Jordan Davidson

crimes of opportunity

Rash of vessel thefts at Island marinas prompting safety reminder from RCMP

Sep 21, 2023 | 3:35 PM

NANAIMO — Following a string of thefts of watercraft and equipment from marinas up and down eastern Vancouver Island, the RCMP wants to remind residents to take steps to protect their property, and make recovery of stolen items easier.

Several inflatable Zodiac boats have been stolen recently from marinas in the Cowichan Bay, Maple Bay, and Thetis Island areas. Two Sea-Doos were also taken from a Qualicum Bay parking lot on Sept. 14.

Cst. David Kokesch with the RCMP West Coast Marine Unit said there are a few ways to protect yourself from theft and ensure your stolen items are returned to you when recovered.

“Take the serial numbers down, save them somewhere at your house or wherever it may be, or even scribe your initials into the items so that if you do report them to police, we can enter them into our CPIC system and have an identifying mark for it.”

The Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) is a centralized computer system used by law enforcement officers across Canada to communicate and share information.

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Kokesch said a serial number or other identifying marks can go a long way to recover your items, along with keeping an eye open for suspicious activity.

“Be vigilant when you’re at that marina and you notice some people snooping around boats or anything like that, report it or let the marina operators know that.”

Kokesch said a lot of these thefts are simple crimes of opportunity, with thieves taking the boats, motors, and anything else unsecured they can get their hands on.

“If the motors are on them the motors are going to. Whatever opportune thing is there they’ll take it.”

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