Plans are in the works to beef up security on, and around, Sarnia's Duc d'Orleans II next year.
The decision follows a particularly frustrating 2024 season for the owners of the river cruise ship.
In an email to Sarnia News Today, a representative speaking on behalf of the owners -- William and Keagan Turner -- said the boat has been a constant target of trespassing and vandalism this year.
"People have climbed on the boat, gone upstairs, stolen our outside mats, our garbage bins, or thrown them overboard," the spokesperson said.
"We've gotten emails and calls from the residents in the nearby apartment buildings -- who watch out for us -- saying someone is playing with your ropes, or someone is scaling the outside of your boat."
The spokesperson said a "No Trespassing" sign is posted at the dock, and they've asked people not to trespass in person and online.
"It's the disrespect we just can not believe. Why do this? It's a huge liability for us and extremely dangerous to your safety."
The spokesperson said they're planning to increase surveillance in 2025, hoping to deter future mischief.
"We have posted time, and time again, begging people to stop hopping the fence. Stop stealing our things. Stop trespassing. We will capture better video footage next season, but I can assure you, next season's footage will be shared. Hopefully we can start to catch people when they decide to trespass, damage, or steal our private property. Everything from fishing, to any criminal acts."
The spokesperson reminds people fishing near the Duc d'Orleans II to do so on the public side of the fence, next to the boat, not over the fence.
"Again, it's a danger to their safety, and they leave their beer cans, cigarette butts and fast food garbage. So, we don't want that either."
The Duc has two more public events on its schedule this year, Halloween cruises are planned on October 25 and 26.