Thieves target Wigan canal cruise boathouse in early morning raid

Police are investigating an early morning break-in at a Wigan boathouse which saw thieves trash a canal cruise boat and help themselves to alcohol and computer tablets.
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Owners of the Kittywake Canal Cruise have been left devastated by the second break-in that their business has suffered in recent weeks, which occurred around 3.30am today (Sunday May 3).

Minutes later, firefighters were called to the canal near Wigan Pier around 3.50am today to reports of a lady in the water.

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Thieves raid Wigan canal cruise boat for alcohol
The incident occurred near Wigan Pier. Image: Brian KingThe incident occurred near Wigan Pier. Image: Brian King
The incident occurred near Wigan Pier. Image: Brian King
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When she was eventually rescued by the fire service, she was suffering from exposure and hypothermia and was struggling to move her hands and feet because she had been in the icy water for so long.

She was then passed into the care of the North West Ambulance Service but her condition has not been disclosed.

The owners of Kittywake Canal Cruises, based at the Wigan Pier boathouse, shared video footage of the damage caused to one of their boats, Elleswake, which had its door ripped clean off. The culprits had made their way inside, and took several bottles of alcohol from the onboard bar, several of which were found discarded in the water nearby, and computer tablets which have not been recovered.

Sandi Carrington from Kittywake Canal Cruises told Wigan Today: "They've trashed the boat, they've ripped the bar off, and damaged the electrics. They're ripped the doors off, smashed glasses and any stock that was still in there.

Damage to ElleswakeDamage to Elleswake
Damage to Elleswake
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"They've gone in and found anything and just smashed it, like bottles of pop and beer, smashed them, thrown then in the canal. They've taken a suitcase, even a barge pole, and thrown them in the water, as well as a trolley that we use to carry stock, and computer tablets that we use as tills."

She went on: "It's soul destroying.

"We remortgaged our house to buy this business, and it is absolutely crippling what they keep doing. If it wasn't for having such a loyal customer case - and we are so lucky to meet the most lovely people in our job - we would've gone under by now. Thank God we love what we do!"

Sandi said the company had been inundated with well wishes from Wiganers after hearing the news of the break-in. She added: "We'd like to say thanks to everyone who has sent us messages of support. It helps, it really does help!"

Damage to ElleswakeDamage to Elleswake
Damage to Elleswake

It is the second time in less than a month that thieves have targeted the small business.

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In April, raiders smashed a window to gain entry to the Kittywake, the vessel which runs popular canal cruises and private functions, and helped themselves to most of the spirits and beer on board.

They then took the family-run business’ smaller working boat, the Wuber, before abandoning it in a bywash in Beech Hill.

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Elleswake at the boathouseElleswake at the boathouse
Elleswake at the boathouse

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