MIAMI BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - Dozens of personal watercraft have been vanishing at an alarming rate along Miami Beach, bringing a wave of worries.
Within the last two months, according to Miami Beach Police, 17 personal watercrafts were stolen.
The latest theft occurred Wednesday and was caught on surveillance video, in broad daylight. Two people could be seen lowering a personal watercraft from the lift at a house along North Bay Road and taking off with it once it was in the water.
“These aren’t just being done in overnight hours, these are also being done in broad daylight,” said Miami Beach Police Officer Ernesto Rodriguez. “These criminals are able to disguise themselves as average Jet Ski riders, so it makes that just a little bit more difficult for our marine patrol to actually apprehend them.”
Police said the duo may be stealing them in the hopes of selling them or stripping them for parts.
Miami Beach PD is asking anyone who owns a personal watercraft to take a few extra steps to lock and secure it. They added that too many craft owners are allowing themselves to be an easy target for a job that can take a few minutes.
“As always, if anyone sees anything suspicious, anyone loitering around your dock, your neighbor’s dock — one of these cases was reported that way — call police,” Rodriguez said. “Let us do our job. If you see something, you say something.”
Officials are investigating to determine whether any of the thefts are connected.
If you recognize the two men, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $1,000 reward.
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