Powerboat vandalised in engine theft

Police are seeking thieves who ransacked a powerboat in Plymstock and stole its rare outboard engine.

Offenders entered Plymouth Marine Centre in Pomphlett Road overnight on 7/8 April by cutting through the mesh fence.

Once inside they targeted the Gobbi 19 Limited Edition powerboat moored just outside the marina, stealing the engine and causing extensive damage.

They ripped out the seats and threw them in the sea, pulled off the boat’s transom leaving it hanging at the back of vessel and ripped out the helm box and cabling.

The thieves then escaped with a Yamaha 1998 offshore exhaust power shorts outboard engine, valued at £3,000 and just one of two in the country.

Police are investigating and appealing for witnesses to the theft which happened sometime between 5.30pm on Tuesday 7 April and 7am the next day.

Anyone who has been offered the engine for sale or has information about its whereabouts is asked to call Devon and Cornwall Police on 101, quoting crime reference CR/23546/15.