A Surrey marine mechanic has been charged in the theft of thousands of dollars worth of trailer boats and and motors.
The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) said Monday it had been inundated this year with reports of thefts of small trailer boats, as well as fishing equipment from larger marine vessels.
The value of the stolen property reported stolen is about $300,000.
In January, investigators identified 43-year-old Frank Jerry Cutajar, from Surrey, in connection with the theft of a boat, trailer and outboard motor taken from Delta on Jan. 28.
He was arrested and released on bail.
The investigation then led to a property in Richmond, where police found 10 outboard motors and a generator, all allegedly stolen by Cutajar.
The motors were taken from cities across Metro Vancouver, including Vancouver, West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Delta, Coquitlam and Surrey.
VPD alleges Cutagar, while out on bail and being monitored by detectives, stole an outboard motor on Feb. 26, selling it hours later on Craigslist.
Cutagar was arrested again, and charged with theft, possession of stolen property and fraud.
He was again released with strict bail conditions, that include not being found at any marina, dock in the Lower Mainland.
Police expect more charges to follow.
Police are warning the public that if they buy items online without doing their due diligence, they may find themselves a victim of a crime, and be out a substantial sum of money.