Ashok Offers $1000 Reward for Stolen Boat
ATailevu fisher is offering a monetary reward for information that would lead to the recovery of his stolen boat and engine worth around $20,000.
Ashok Kumar’s fibreglass boat and a 15 horsepower engine were stolen in February this year. The matter was reported to the Police, but the boat is yet to be recovered. Mr Kumar said the boat and the engine were purchased through an initiative of the Ministry of Fisheries. The Nabilo, Tailevu man has always been a fisherman. The boats belonging to him and his brothers are always berthed in the river that runs behind their homes.
“I employ four people and such actions are not only affecting me, but the families of the people that I employ,” Mr Kumar said.
“We have received information on the possible location of the boat, however we do realise that police are busy and sometimes lack the resources.
“That is why, I am now offering a cash reward of $1000.”
Mr Kumar said this was not the first time he was a victim of this particular type of theft. This was the third incident.
Mr Kumar’s case is not an isolated incident. The theft of fibreglass boats is easy work but the retrieval of the item is complicated.
Lami fisher Louis Rogers said his cousin’s boat was stolen last week from Naqara Island in Serua.
“I guess with fibreglass boats once you paint over the name and do some changes, there is no way back to tracing the owner,” he said.
“With the engine, you can trace it back to the owner.
“I have heard through the community of thefts of fibre boats especially after people losing work.”
According to Police, investigations continue.