Burglars targeted boats in Naples over the weekend, stealing the lower units from motors of two boats at the Marine Max boat dealer on 6th Avenue South near Tin City.
According to a police report, the lower units are worth over $12,000. A chain link fence to the property was also cut, resulting in $1,000 worth of damage.
Management at Marine Max declined to comment on the thefts.
"When you get hit, it is overpowering," said Frank Perrucci, president of Marine Industries in Naples, which is not affiliated with Marine Max.
Perrucci said that word is sent out by email to local marinas and boating organizations after any crime such as the lower unit thefts.
"To say, 'this took place, be on the look-out,'" Perrucci said. "Maybe they're looking for more things."
Lower units thefts have been happening in Naples for years. In January, thieves stole $11,000 worth of parts from boats docked at Mariners Cove near U.S. 41 and Goodlette-Frank Road.
Perrucci recommends using propeller locks to deter lower unit thieves. He said that burglars have been caught - in one case, it was because a boat owner had a surveillance camera on his dock.
"Police observed the camera, the images and everything, and we got him," Perrucci said.
He also recommends installing a cell phone app that uses GPS to alert you when your boat is moving, and to etch your name on any electronics on your vessel to make it easier to recover if stolen.
