Expensive stolen boat found dumped by thieves after brazen Kelowna theft

KELOWNA, B.C. – A unique and pricey speed boat stolen from a British Columbia boat dealership has been found, high and dry in an Alberta field.

A spokeswoman with Banner Marine and Recreation in Kelowna, B.C., says the 2015 Campion Biltmore pontoon boat was found Thursday in a field in the community of Beaver Lodge, just west of Grande Prairie.

Amanda Jefferson says no arrests have been made but the vessel, valued at more than $110,000, was recovered with its trailer and both appear to be in good condition.

She’s not certain why the seven-metre boat was dumped but believes widespread coverage of the brazen theft, as well as the boat’s unusual shape and markings, may have made the stolen cargo too difficult to handle.

On Sunday, a group of well-organized thieves, driving a motor home and two newer model F-350 Ford pickups, hauled the boat off the Kelowna lot after cutting chains on the boat trailer and removing the locked casing around the trailer hitch.

The theft was not discovered until Tuesday when the dealership reopened. (CKFR)