We stayed in Leigh last night on the towpath side facing the Waterside Inn, as there was no room opposite on the visitor moorings where there are rings (which we have done twice before on a Saturday with no issues) and at about 2.30am we both woke up after hearing a clunk to find that we were drifting down the middle of the canal.
We got ourselves back to the bank and moored up again but as the OH was on an early shift he decided to stay up and have a cup of tea. About 4am with lights on in the boat about four lads came past and pulled the pins again (although not sure if they were the same group who did it the first time as it was quite a while later). I shouted out at them and one of the lads came running up the the window telling me to F off and generally verbally abusing me, they ran off as soon as the OH appeared and then while we were sorting the boat again they were shouting abuse at us from the bridge.
Martin was already late leaving for work but I was really shaken and didnt want to be left alone so we got a friend to come over to stay with me til morning and then moved the boat alongside another boater (who very kindly offered) on the opposite side.
I phoned the police today on the non emergency number to report it and they were really helpful, they said we should have phoned them at the time - We didn't think they would've been interested!- they logged it and gave me a reference, said to ring straight away if any more problems as I will be on my own here tonight.
Must admit It was quite scary, made me feel really vulnerable.
Sorry if I've waffled, didn't get a lot of kip last night! And apologies if I should have posted this elsewhere. Just thought I would let people know.
Thanks
Meg