Appeal: Damaged boats

Police in North Flintshire are appealing for information and witnesses after a number of boats were damaged along the Dee Estuary.

Two inflatable crafts along with a boat were damaged in the area of the Greenfield dock overnight between Tuesday, September 8 and Wednesday morning, September 9. The two inflatable crafts were slashed and damage was also caused to the outboard engine of a boat.

Thousands of pounds worth of damage is also believed to have been caused to four dinghies that were slashed in the Lloc area, Holywell in August. The damage is believed to have occurred sometime between 7pm on Saturday, August 22 and Sunday, August 23, whereby an offender or offenders slashed the crafts when they were left outside an outbuilding of a caravan park in the area.

Police inquiries into all the incidents are underway and officers investigating are working in partnership with the Environment Agency. Police and officers from the Environmental Agency continue to patrol the area.

Sergeant John Williams, who is based in North Flintshire said: “We treat all reports of criminal damage extremely seriously and inquiries in relation to all incidents are already well underway.

He added: “To date, damage worth thousands of pounds has been caused to vessels in the Dee Estuary and I urge anyone who has information regarding the incidents or who may have witnessed anyone acting suspiciously in the vicinity to contact us immediately. Similarly, we want to hear from anyone who has had their boat damaged in the area and, for whatever reason, may have not come forward and reported the matter to police do so phoning officers at Deeside on 101 (if in Wales) 0845 6071001 (Welsh language line) 0845 6071002 (English language line) or contact Crimestoppers anonymously with information on 0800 555 111.”