Description
Original 15 September 2025, 1:41pm
We have received reports from boaters on the River Lee between Hackney Wick and Clapton (adjacent to Hackney Marshes) that a member of the public has been claiming to be a Canal & River Trust employee, gaining access to boats without permission and asking questions about whether our 'licenses are up to date'.
The individual is described as being of 40 or 50 years old, a black male with short hair and a top knot. It is reported that the individual may be in possession of a stolen boat.
We can confirm that no member of the Canal & River Trust licence ranger team meets this description. Please be aware that our Licence Rangers would not ask boaters to provide evidence if their licence is up to date as they have access to this information on our licence system.
We are encouraging all boaters to remain vigilant and to report any incidents to the police. We have contacted the local police and offered to work with them to increase patrols in the area and speak to boaters.
