A 48-year-old Parksville man was arrested Jan. 17 after police received a number of reports of stolen high-end fishing gear from French Creek and Schooner Cove marinas.
“We had two reports of thefts from boats. Once we started investigating other people came forward,” said Oceanside RCMP Cpl. Jesse Foreman.
According to Foreman, the suspect was selling the stolen goods on websites like Craigslist and Kijiji including downriggers and at least one prawn puller.
Foreman estimates downriggers, depending on their make and model, can cost upwards of $750.
The French Creek Harbour Authority confirmed a number of thefts were reported in the last few weeks at the French Creek Marina.
Foreman said police went undercover and made offers on some of the stolen goods online in order to catch the suspect, who is known to police.
He said police have recovered and returned more than $2,000 worth of fishing gear to its owners.
Foreman said the Parksville man was charged with one count of possession of stolen property and police have sent additional information to the court recommending additional charges against the same individual.
