03 October 2025

We're appealing for information after thieves stole two trailers from a lake on the Devon / Cornwall border. 
 
The trailers were stolen from Upper Tamar Lake, near Bude, overnight on Tuesday 30 September 2025. 

South West Lakes Trust staff discovered the theft early on Wednesday morning during routine checks. The incident follows another similar theft in June 2025, when five powerboat engines were stolen from another South West Lakes Trust site, Roadford Lake, between Okehampton and Launceston. 
 
The two incidents raise serious concerns about the targeting of charitable organisations providing public access to outdoor recreation.
 
South West Lakes Trust’s Head of Fisheries, Leon Fisher, said: “This theft is extremely disappointing; we have so many groups that use the lake for activities including school groups and community organisations. The trailers are in frequent use to enable many of these activities to take place.”
 
We are urging anyone who may have seen suspicious activity around Upper Tamar Lake on the night of Tuesday 30 September, or who may have information that could assist the investigation, to contact police quoting crime reference number SD-1306-25-5050-01.
  
We are also asking local businesses and members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious offers of trailers for sale.
 
Anyone with information can contact Devon and Cornwall Police on 101, or report online at www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/ 

About us

Healthy lakes, landscapes and lives

South West Lakes Trust is the region’s largest combined environmental and recreational charity, caring for and enhancing reservoirs on behalf of South West Water for conservation and recreation purposes. Our 50 inland water sites, encompassing 5,000 hectares of land and water spread across Devon, Cornwall, Dorset and West Somerset, attract in the region of 2 million visits annually. 

Our reservoirs and lakes are home to many wonderful animals and boast important habitats and built historic sites. We pride ourselves on enabling people of all abilities to enjoy these special locations by providing access both on and off the water. It’s your outdoors – come and explore.