Martin County deputies are investigating a rash of boat burglaries in Stuart. Crooks targeted four boats over the weekend and stole valuable equipment. Now an entire neighborhood is on alert.
“This is something which is new to us around here,” said Peter Conlon.
Thea area Peter Conlon is talking about is the marina at Hidden Harbor Estates. Not the place the you’d expect a boat to be burglarized. But sometime between late Sunday night and early Monday morning, thieves took off with a GPS worth more than $2,000 from a boat docked there.
“It's upsetting we all have boats here at the marina and now you're going to have another thing to worry about,” said Conlon.
Within the same night, a block away at The Landings, there were two other burglaries. Same MO. Crooks stole fishing poles and nearly $10,000 worth of electronics from two boats.
“The most logical method of operation would be for two people, somebody steering the boat pulling up next to the other boat then the second offender getting off, perpetrating the theft and then getting out of there,” said Martin County Sheriff William Snyder.
Neighbor Mel Bass is worried.
“Alarmed that something like this would go on,” said Bass. “Hoping it never happens again.”
For now, Peter is going to keep a closer watch on his boat even though it’s docked right in front of his house.
“I’ll be a little more alert during the night, be a little more alert and take a check,” said Conlon.
Sheriff Snyder says locking your valuables is key. He says looking out for your neighbor is the best way to prevent these crimes.
