Marine related thefts under investigation

Detectives are investigating the theft of electronics from three boats at Duck Key Marina.

The crimes were reported Saturday morning by an employee of the Marina. He told Deputy Rosary Ponce someone had entered three vessels taking high-end multi-functional displays from each one. The values of the displays range from $1,500 to $3,500.00.

The boats the items were stolen from included a 27 foot Sea Vee, a 33 foot Scout and a 29 foot Pro Sport LLC. All three vessels were inside a fenced, gated area at the rear.

Sheriff Rick Ramsay would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone not to leave expensive items on their vessels at any time. Remove electronics, fishing equipment and dive equipment from the boat and secure it somewhere safe. Because of the number of boats in Monroe County, thieves see our area as a good opportunity to steal such items. Prevent this type of crime by removing the opportunity.

Anyone with information about these crimes should contact the Sheriff's Office. Callers who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers of the Florida Keys. If a Crimestoppers tip leads to an arrest, the caller would be eligible for a cash reward. The Crimestoppers hot line number is 1-800-346-TIPS. Tips may be made anonymously on line at www.tipsubmit.com or via a text message to 274637 using the keyword TIP136.