“Sleaford’s own Pirates of the Caribbean” - council lightens the mood after boat heist

A council has poked fun at three “pirates” who allegedly stole a boat from its secure storage last week.

The incident occurred on Friday, March 22, between 7.30pm and 8.15pm, and was the third time it happened that week.

The boat was recovered from the river bank the following morning.

In response, Sleaford Town Council posted an edited CCTV clip with a Pirates of the Caribbean theme tune.

The footage shows the three buccaneers struggling with the boat for about 45 seconds before it cuts off.

Alongside the video, the council said: “Sleaford has its very own members of the Pirates of the Caribbean!

“Thanks to the CCTV in Eastgate Car Park, we captured Sleaford’s answer to the infamous Pirates taking our boat out of the compound for a ride on the river!

“To give the “Pirates” their due, they did work hard to get the boat out, but remember, we are watching you and would prefer it if you left the boat alone!”

A spokesperson for the council confirmed the incident had been reported to police and the Anti-Social Behaviour Team at North Kesteven District Council.

They said the boat appeared to be “quite sought-after” and noted the “great lengths” the individuals had gone to.

“We thought that we would make some light fun around the situation a little by adding the famous theme music to the clip,” they said.

“Although we are not expecting anything to come from the video we would, however, appreciate it if anyone who is watching the video and knows of any information involving the people in the footage, then they would get in touch with our office.”

They also noted that a local organisation called the Slea Paddlers organises regular boating events on the River Slea for members for those interested in a jaunt on the waters.

A volunteer river clean-up group also uses the boat on the last Sunday of every month.

Lincolnshire Police confirmed they had received reports of three men attempting to steal the boat from the secure area of Eastgate Car Park.

“The incident was captured on CCTV, and we would encourage anyone with information to get in touch with us,” they said.

Anyone with information can contact police on the non-emergency 101 number quoting incident 428 of March 27.