WAFB Channel 9, Baton Rouge, LA |Rash of boat thefts

Rash of boat thefts

By Paul Gates - bio | email

PORT VINCENT, LA (WAFB) -There's been a rash of boat and boat related gear thefts in Port Vincent in the last few weeks. The thefts have angered some of the local residents who make their living on the Amite River and enjoy what the river offers.  Locals want the word out - thieves are in their midst.

Bo Matherne has made his living here in Port Vincent working on boats and props for the past 18 years. It's a good life. Never been much of a problem until the thievery started.  "Like last Sunday, broad daylight, right in the Mariners Club right there next to Freds, they hooked on a 24 ft. party barge with flat tires and hauled if off."

Andy, one of the workers at the shop, says it more than just boats.  "Had several atv's stolen over the weekend including some lawn mowers and then they just worked their way up Walker south." Port Vincent police chief Norris Hull is working on the theft cases, along with help from Ascension, Livingston and state police. "Paul, there's been numerous thefts right recently, it has been with boat motors and trailers, it's also been with some four-wheelers." 

 "About 5 weeks ago in front of my shop I had a big fine red bass boat stolen." Bo wants the word out so everyone in Port Vincent will be on the lookout for persons who might be up to no good. "Two people I know that have been robbed, their boats and stuff, I mean that's theirs. They'll shoot you."

Terry has a nice camp near the bridge. Recently someone came to his dock in the night and took his runabout boat.  "About three weeks ago got up on Friday morning to go to work, about 6 oclock. My boat was gone." Terry found his boat upside down and the motor gone.  "If I would of seen someone on my deck at 1, 2oclock in the morning I mighta started shooting." "Be aware, if you're going to steal from someone, that person might retaliate."

Bo has now put new fool proof locks on all his boats and those of his customers. In these parts boats are sort of like horses. Not to be stolen.  "That's very important to a man on the river. He's gotta have his boat."

If you know anything about these thefts, call crime stoppers at 344-stop. Remember, you do not have to give your name.

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