Local golf cart stolen, recovered

Thieves tried turning the hiding of the golf cart they stole into an art form.

The reviews to date have not been pretty.

The cart, which belongs to North First Street resident Mit Harlan, was recovered last week after having been crudely spray-painted green, camouflaged and partially buried in thickets in the McGlinn Island area.

Whoever was responsible apparently had use for the cart and was not looking to sell the hot wheels: They altered its appearance and concealed it in a remote area just south of La Conner.

The cart was stolen from the front of Harlan's home last fall and was reported in the Weekly News police blotter.

Despite the rough paint job and attempt to hide the cart, it did not elude detection.

Shelter Bay resident and former La Conner business owner Garry Cline happened to see it and wondered if there was a story behind what seemed to be an abandoned golf cart.

"Garry spotted it way back two or three months ago because it's pretty near to where we turn off of the road and head over to the channel to run our dog Tally," said Cline's wife, Zayna. "He noticed this thing poking out from among the bushes. It really was camouflaged."

But when Harlan, the Weekly News and various hikers surveyed the general location they could not find the cart. It was either that well-hidden or had been moved a time or two.

The Clines' curiosity did not wane, however. While taking Tally out on another walk last week, they came across the golf cart again. The couple happened to cross paths with a Swinomish Indian Tribal Community staff member and guided her to the cart.

"Garry showed her the cart and she contacted tribal police, who came right away." Zayna Cline told the Weekly News.

Swinomish Tribal Police took possession of the cart and got word to Harlan via Town Fire Chief/Code Enforcement Officer Aaron Reinstra that it had been located. They arranged for Harlan to pick up the cart and bring it home.

Of course, it was not as simple as that. The thieves have the key to the cart. So, Harlan had to hot-wire it. And there is also the not so small matter of re-painting the cart and replacing the custom license plate removed by the thieves.

All in all, though, Harlan considers himself lucky.

"I don't know why they went to the trouble of taking the golf cart instead of my truck," he deadpanned.

As for repainting, several have suggested flames. Harlan isn't sold on the idea, but he may have no choice.

"I heard Tommy Zimmerman might want to take it and paint flames on it," he said.

Harlan said he is grateful to the Clines and Swinomish Police for the cart's recovery and return. And he doesn't seem to begrudge the thieves too terribly.

"I just wish they'd replaced the battery," he quipped.