A CLEVELAND man has been left high and dry after his boat was stolen from outside his Wharf Street home while he slept.
Quinton Wong said he believed bolt cutters or a hacksaw were used by thieves to cut through the boat trailer’s wheel and hitch locks.
The boat was towed away between 3am and 7am on Thursday.
Mr Wong said he looked at the boat before going to sleep, later waking up to find it gone.
The vessel was parked at the back of Mr Wong’s property and was visible from the street, which is near Toondah Harbour.
Mr Wong said he had parked the boat there for the past two years, never worrying about it being stolen by thieves.
“It was 10 metres away from the back fence,” Mr Wong said.
“I used it whenever I could but last year I didn’t get out as much.”
Cleveland police said the boat’s theft was still under investigation and appealed to the public for help.
The Quintrex 530 Freedom Sport boat’s registration was XH131Q and the boat trailer’s number plate was 493QYY.
Those who see the boat should contact Policelink on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Mr Wong said he may have seen the getaway vehicle used in the boat’s theft.
He said an old silver-coloured LandCruiser was parked outside his home on January 3.
Sightings of a boat being towed by a four-wheel-drive have since been reported to Mr Wong and police.
Mr Wong believes he was also targeted in the days leading up to the theft.
He said the cover of the boat’s 115-horsepower Yamaha outboard was pinched the week before.
He did not think much about the cover’s disappearance at the time.
Witnesses to crime can report information to Policelink on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Always dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.
