A brazen golf cart theft in Pugwash, Nova Scotia has left a local golf course reeling, as thieves made off with five high-value golf carts and several chargers in just 20 minutes during the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Security footage from Northumberland Links Golf Course shows the swift and calculated operation, which the course’s general manager believes was carried out by an organized group of criminals.

Security Footage Reveals Coordinated Golf Cart Heist

“It’s certainly an organized group,” said John Mills, general manager at Northumberland Links. “There was no vandalism, no damage—just what they needed to do. And off they went with the golf carts.”

The Nova Scotia RCMP confirmed that at approximately 1:19 a.m. AT, security cameras captured three suspects on the property. They were using two vehicles: a black pickup truck pulling a closed utility trailer and a seven-metre U-Haul truck.

A blurry security screenshot shared by police shows both vehicles on-site during the theft.

High-Value Equipment Targeted

The stolen carts were dark blue E-Z-Go golf carts with Northumberland Links branding, purchased just last year. Mills said each cart cost approximately $12,300, bringing the total estimated loss to over $60,000 for the carts alone.

In addition to the vehicles, the thieves also stole:

• 4 superchargers
• 3 standard chargers

The golf course is currently navigating the insurance process in hopes of recouping some of the financial damage.

Easy Access to Universal Golf Cart Keys Raises Concerns

One factor that may have made the theft easier is the availability of universal golf cart keys, which can be purchased online. Mills admitted that even Northumberland Links has ordered such keys in the past to replace lost ones.

“This just highlights a broader issue in the industry,” he said. “We’ll definitely be reviewing our golf course security measures going forward. But in 36 years, we’ve never had anything like this.”

Pandemic Drives Up Golf Cart Prices and Demand

Adding to the frustration, Mills noted that the value of golf carts has significantly increased since the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, older carts the course purchased in 2008 were traded in last year for nearly their original purchase price.

“My speculation is once these carts leave the region, they’re easily resold. Property owners and campground operators in rural areas often use golf carts for transportation,” said Mills. 

This surge in value, combined with low security measures and accessible keys, has made golf carts an attractive target for thieves across Canada.

Golf Cart Thefts on the Rise Across Canada

The Pugwash incident isn’t isolated. Similar golf cart thefts have been reported in other provinces:

• In New Brunswick, RCMP reported the theft of four golf carts from a Mactaquac business during two separate incidents in July and October of last year.
• In Ontario, multiple thefts have occurred recently, with golf course owners and equipment distributors suspecting the emergence of a thriving black market for golf carts.

No Confirmed Connection to Other Thefts

Despite the similar modus operandi, Nova Scotia RCMP say there is no evidence at this time that links the Pugwash theft to other incidents across Canada.

In a statement, Cpl. Guillaume Tremblay said that the investigation remains ongoing, and officers are actively pursuing leads.

RCMP Appeal for Information from the Public

Authorities are urging anyone with information about the theft at Northumberland Links to contact the Cumberland County RCMP or Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers.

You can call anonymously or submit a tip online to assist investigators in recovering the stolen property and identifying the individuals involved.

Golf Courses Urged to Improve Security Measures

In light of the increasing number of golf cart thefts nationwide, golf courses—especially in rural or less-monitored areas—are being advised to:

• Install high-resolution security cameras
• Use lockable storage for carts and chargers
• Invest in GPS tracking devices for high-value equipment
• Change to unique keys or access codes
• Train staff to monitor and report suspicious activity promptly

Mills said Northumberland Links will now be reassessing its security strategy to avoid future incidents.

“This was fast, calculated, and professional. We need to stay one step ahead of these groups,” he concluded.

Conclusion: Golf Cart Theft a Growing Threat for Canadian Courses

The Pugwash golf cart theft highlights a growing concern for golf course operators across the country. With rising equipment costs, easily accessible keys, and increasing demand in secondary markets, golf carts have become a prime target for organized theft rings.

While the RCMP continue to investigate, this incident serves as a wake-up call for others in the industry to strengthen their security protocols and monitor their assets closely.

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