Sunshine Coast Water Police are appealing for public assistance after a luxury boat was stolen from a private jetty in the Mooloolaba canals earlier this month.
Police say that around 2am on January 6, at least two offenders took a white 2003 Powercat 2600 Sports vessel from a jetty attached to a residence on Tarwarri Crescent.
The boat’s keys had been left inside.
The offenders allegedly drove the vessel toward the main Mooloolah River system before it disappeared.
“We’re asking people to be on the lookout for a 26-foot white catamaran that was stolen recently,” Senior Constable Murray Lyons said.
“We don’t see this size of boat taken from the water very often. It’s quite unique for this area.”
Despite a search of the area, police have been unable to locate the boat, which is valued at about $140,000 and bears Queensland registration NS369Q.
Investigators believe the vessel may have been removed from the water and transported to the Hervey Bay or Moreton regions.
“With the fuel it has, it could be anywhere within about 294 miles, which is a long way,” Sr Const. Lyons said.
The theft is one of several incidents reported over the Christmas and New Year period, with three investigations currently underway into boats stolen from waterways connected to the Mooloolah River.
A grey inflatable vessel with a Honda engine was taken some time between December 25 and 26 December from Woomba Place in Mooloolaba. An aluminium 349 Territory Strike tinnie with registration AZR39Q was also taken from Carrothol Place, Mooloolaba sometime between January 9 and 10.
Sr Const. Lyons said the owners were overseas at the time of the theft.
“They came back to find their boat gone. They were obviously quite upset and want their property back,” he said.
Residents living on or near canals are being reminded to secure their watercraft and avoid leaving keys, lanyards or other property on vessels.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24 hours per day.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online.
