A cross-border partnership led to the recovery of $7,000 worth of stolen fishing equipment last week.

On Sept. 4, the RCMP’s Marine Border Enforcement Team, in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard, was patrolling local waters when officers spotted a boat they recognized from prior investigations.

A vessel check conducted in Esquimalt's Fleming Bay revealed fishing equipment aboard matching the description of gear reported stolen to Oak Bay Police Aug. 27.

An outboard motor Mounties believed to be stolen was also spotted on the boat, and the vessel’s occupant, a 37-year-old Victoria resident, was arrested for possession of stolen property.

Oak Bay Police soon obtained a search warrant for the vessel, and officers recovered nearly all of the stolen items.

“This investigation highlights

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