A GRATEFUL grandfather has thanked eagle-eyed residents who spotted his stolen 15ft blue Canadian canoe floating in the water.
Stephen Goodchild revealed the good news 11 days after the treasured family item was stolen from his home on Merrimans Hill Road.
The grandfather contacted the Observer on July 17 after the theft which saw thieves either swam across the canal from the towpath or climb over railings on the St George’s Road North canal bridge and along the back of two neighbouring gardens to steal the canoe.
The unique canoe was a popular sight on the city’s canal and was beloved by Mr Goodchild’s grandchildren who were looking forward to taking to the water during the school summer holidays.
“It appears all the publicity worked. It was found floating on the canal near Wickes and people knocked on our door to tell us, having seen the articles.
“The thieves had tried to disguise it by painting it silver grey. There is additional damage, scratches to the hull and a hole in the gunnel,” he added.