On May 12th, 2012 at 6:00 am the Marco Island Police Department received a report of a suspicious vessel in the 1500 block of Caxambas Ct. A resident had observed a 28 Ft. vessel floating by his house without any occupants aboard. Responding Patrol Officers located and secured the abandoned vessel which contained 23 black plastic containers of an unknown type of fuel, believed to be gasoline. Investigation determined that the vessel had been stolen from a lift at a residence on Caxambas Ct the prior evening. The home, as well as the vessel – a 2004 28 Ft. Pursuit powered by twin outboards, was processes by Crime Scene Technicians from the Collier County Sheriff’s Office. The case is currently assigned to Detectives with the Marco Island Police Department who are liaising with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners.
Boater owners can reduce the risk of theft by the following methods include:
- Moving the boat lift’s electrical power shut-off inside your house or garage.
- Securing the boat to the lift.
- Securing the lift to the dock
- Install an alarm system on your dock.
- Install a GPS enable alarm system on your boat.
- Installing covert fuel cut-off or ignition / battery switches.
- Exterior lighting that shines on you vessel and dock.
- Remove the keys from your boat when on the lift.
- Removing all valuables to include GPS, Radar, and Radios.
Boats on trailers have specific vulnerabilities. Use the strongest locks and chains available to secure the boat and trailer. Lock boats or personal watercraft to their trailer. Lock the trailer to something secure or install a hitch lock. Park your trailer nose-in when able. Lock outboard motors to the vessel transom. There are specialized products available for this use. Use good, heavy-duty hardware on doors, windows, and portholes. Keep the curtains closed. Store your boat in a protected location at home when able. Take your keys home with you at the end of the day. Purchase and install an alarm system. Consider hiring a professional boat watching service.
Maintain a contact list of their emergency numbers to ensure they are notified if there is a problem with their vessel.
Marco Island is a boating community, which includes 22 miles of shoreline, six large bays, the Marco River, three creeks, two small islands and 290 canals. It takes an active partnership between neighbors, the community, and law enforcement to stop these thefts. The Island’s unique geography make it imperative that we all help watch over our neighbor’s homes and boats.
If you see or hear something suspicious, please contact the City of Marco Island Police Department using 911 for emergencies or 239-389-5050 for any reason anytime.
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