A couple years ago someone stole my 12' aluminum from out front of my house. I didn't have it chained up or anything but I live in a small 1 square mile town where crime is basically non-existent. Now I learned my lesson, and I have a canoe that I keep chained to a cemented in bike rack. Just another case of some @$$hole trying to make a buck or get something without having to work for it. What made it suck for me even worse was not only did I spend $400 on the thing, I drove 180 miles round trip to NH and had my car stall out on me on te way home. Glad you caught the guys before they took off.
LOL, but eh that's me. Keep an eye on that canoe my friend! 
Good for you for keeping your cool. Been there a few times and lost it not a nice picture. I've come to realize how much more gratifying it is when I don't lose control and still get justice. When you lose it the bad guy becomes the victim in the eyes of the law way too many times. Well done you've survived to fish another day (and in your canoe)!
