Brave mum chases alleged tinnie thief through Gold Coast canals

A quick-thinking mum has stopped an alleged thief in his tracks, jumping into the water to chase him down after her son's tinnie was stolen from their Gold Coast home.

Penelope Howard bravely gave chase when she heard her son yelling from the yard that someone was stealing his boat.

READ MORE: Man gives chase after catching intruders in home

Phone footage captured the moment Ms Howard jumped the fence into the Mermaid Waters canals, swimming after the man with her dog and yelling "Turn around and bring it back!"

"I thought, he's not going very fast, I think I might be able to catch this guy," Ms Howard told 9News.

Police allege Ben Luke, 39, had stolen a truck earlier, before dumping it near the Howard's property and trying to make a getaway on foot, armed with a saw and carrying other stolen goods in a suitcase.

They allege he continued stealing, jumping several fences and roofs all while attracting the attention of neighbours.

"It was a bit crazy in the street, everyone was after him," witness Joshua Reid told 9News.

READ MORE: Man lights 'stolen car on fire' while still inside

But as Mr Luke continued to make his slow getaway in Ms Howard's son Hunter's tinnie, he flooded the engine and had to resort to using a paddle.

Moments later, neighbours came to Ms Howard's aid – capturing Mr Luke until police and the dog squad arrived to take him into custody.

The truck was returned to its owner and all the allegedly stolen items were collected as evidence with Mr Luke expected to front court at a later date.