The owners of a canal cruise business say they have been left 'devastated' after thieves trashed their boats twice in one night.
A man and woman broke into a boathouse, in Wigan, which belonged to Kittywake Canal Cruises, at about 10pm on Saturday.
After ripping doors off to gain entry, they stole bottles of alcohol from a bar before fleeing.
But they then returned in the early hours of Sunday, along with another man, and ransacked the boat.
When Elle Carrington and her mum Sandi arrived at the family's boathouse later that morning, they discovered the boat had been raided.
Elle, 24, said: "There is so much damage.
"They have ripped out the electrics and smashed bottles from the bar. One has cut himself and there is blood all down the boat.
"They have also thrown stock in the canal. It is just devastating."
It is not the first time the business, which hosts canal cruises and special functions on its two vessels, has been targeted in recent weeks.
Like many businesses, Kittywake Canal Cruises were forced to stop operating when the government ordered a national lockdown in March.
Since then, they have been subject to three attempted break-ins, while thieves stole a boat and a haul of alcohol several weeks ago.
"They are taking advantage of the situation," Ms Carrington said.
"It is a difficult enough time as it is for us as a small business.
"We work so hard to look after our family and this just keeps happening.
"We love our jobs but it is just heartbreaking when stuff like this happens."
The family has even been forced to take it in turns to check up on the boathouse during the night.
But on Saturday evening, no one was there and thieves seized their opportunity.
"We have been targeted quite a few times in the last few years," Ms Carrington said.
"We seem to be getting repeat offenders. I think they see us as an easy touch because we are in quite a derelict and secluded area.
"We have tried to put more security in but it does not deter them."
After hearing of the break-in, members of the public have set up a fundraising page to help cover the cost of repairing the damage.
And Ms Carrington says she and her family have been overwhelmed by the support they have received.
"Everyone has been so supportive," she said.
"Whenever we receive a message, it is like someone putting a plaster over a wound.
"We want people to know how thankful we are."
At about 3.50am on Sunday, firefighters were called to the same stretch of canal to rescue a woman who found herself in trouble in the water.
After pulling her from the canal, she was taken to hospital.
Police are investigating whether the two incidents are connected.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: "We were called at 3:50am on Sunday to a rescue of persons incident.
"Three fire engines from Wigan and Eccles, two technical rescue units from Leigh and a boat from Eccles attended an incident on Cotton Heritage Way, Wigan.
"The incident involved one casualty being rescued from the water. Crews used water rescue equipment and lighting and were in attendance for 30 minutes."
The donation page can be found at: www.gofundme.com/f/helping-the-kitty-wake-get-back-a-float.
