Wow! 32 Suspects in Outboards Theft

[Rick D]

Pretty sophisticated. If they were palleting them, I wonder if they were being shipped, given our proximity to the ports.

http://www.thelog.com/Article/Long-Beach-Outboard-Theft-Ring-Busted--Police-Say

 

[justsomeguy]

Article no longer available? Bastards, nonetheless.

 

[jackhartjr]

I opened it fine.
Jack

 

[jackhartjr]

Long Beach Outboard Theft Ring Busted, Police Say

posted: 10/9/2012

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By: Taylor Hill
LONG BEACH -- Boat owners in Long Beach’s Shoreline Marina can rest a bit easier following the break-up of an elaborate crime ring targeting outboard engines on sailboats and RIBs in the harbor, police reported.

Long Beach Police Sgt. Jeff Garcia said 32 suspects have been identified in the organized thefts of numerous unlocked outboard engines from boats. Thieves reportedly loaded the engines onto pallets and sold them in bundles at around $10,000.

“We’ve identified a few of the outboards on Craigslist -- but not too many, so far,” Sgt. Garcia told the Long Beach Marine Advisory Commission at its September meeting. “They were targeting smaller outboards: ones they could carry.”

Sgt. Garcia noted that 15 of the suspects are facing charges and are in custody, while 17 have warrants out for their arrest. Long Beach Detective Joe Starbird headed up the case and federal agents assisted, conducting routine checks on the docks, which are expected to continue.

Sgt. Garcia said that since the bust, no outboard engine thefts have been reported in the 1,764-slip marina.

About six months ago, a similar crime ring was broken up in Alamitos Bay by Long Beach’s Marine Patrol units and the police department. Starbird was recognized by the Long Beach Police Department in June for busting a crew accused of stealing motorcycles, televisions, boat engines and other high-value items from around the Port of Long Beach.

“It was a good-sized theft ring, and they were making some good money -- so, we’re on the lookout to see if it might pop up again,” Sgt. Garcia said.

In an effort to combat future outboard thefts, a federal grant has been issued for Long Beach supplying 3,000 engine locks to the Marine Bureau, to distribute to boaters as needed.

“When you are in the marina, please be cognizant of the ‘neighborhood,’ and remember that we appreciate you reporting anything you deem to be askew,” said Marine Bureau manager Mark Sandoval.

Boaters are being asked to use locking mechanisms on their outboard motors and to call the Long Beach Police’s 24-hour number -- (562) 435-6711 -- to report any suspicious activity. Boaters should call 911 if there is an emergency or a crime is in progress.

 

[justsomeguy]

Thanks.

 

[Freedom77]

Some years back here in Vegas a friend had his OB stolen at the Marina. I happend by a marine repair/dealer and recognized the engine. I informed my friend of it and he paid a visit to the proprietor and told him that it was his engine. the guy said some lady brought it in and he paid her for it and my friend could pound sand. That worked fine until my buddy pulled out his LVPD detective badge. Turned out this guys a few more items that were a little warm. That's why I keep my OB in the garage on a rack.

 

[anchorclanker]

So this guy asked his buddy if he knew of a cheap CB radio. Few days later said buddy sells him a decent radio for $50. Guy takes radio into a CB radio shop to buy some parts to hook it up. Another customer at the counter reaches over, picks up the radio, flips it over and reads the serial number. Guy asks why hes looking at "his" radio, other guy pulls out his badge. He was a cop and it was his radio.

While a transom lock wont stop a determined thief, anything that slows him down will encourage him to look somewhere else. You can also through bolt the motor to the transom, use Allen head or torx head bolts, and cable lock it to the hull, etc.. Make it a hassle for them.

I am sorry some dont feel the same, but a few dead bodies after being shot for theft would put a complete stop to all this nonsense. I just dont feel bad about anything a thief would experience. Its not like they are pillars of society that anyone would miss a whole lot.

 

[kenn]

While a transom lock wont stop a determined thief, anything that slows him down will encourage him to look somewhere else. You can also through bolt the motor to the transom, use Allen head or torx head bolts, and cable lock it to the hull, etc.. Make it a hassle for them.

All outboards should have locks. i don't know why insurance companies pay out when an unlocked motor is stolen.

I am sorry some dont feel the same, but a few dead bodies after being shot for theft would put a complete stop to all this nonsense. I just dont feel bad about anything a thief would experience. Its not like they are pillars of society that anyone would miss a whole lot.

:cry: Um, no. You're in the wrong country, and maybe the wrong century, for that sort of sentiment to be shared.

 

[anchorclanker]

Whatever

 

[Cool Beans]

. . .for that sort of sentiment to be shared.

No he's not, I say shoot em as well

 

[ggrizzard]

I also noted that the Marine District was giving away free locks for motors and cycles with a GRANT from the Feds. Hmmm.

We borrow money from China to have the government buy locks from China to give away to all those 1%ers like me!

Is thiis a great (broke) country or what?

 

[justsomeguy]

Welcome to the global economy.

 

[Rick Webb]

You Can't Shoot Them for Theft

They can be shot for trying to escape.

Or remember this line?
I am making out the report now. We haven't quite decided yet whether he committed suicide or died trying to escape.

Apropos?

 

[kloudie1]

I too have that old fashioned view that the stuff I have that I invested sweat and blood in to buy is MINE and it is not to be stolen .. I believe that the punishment should be pro-active.. making them clean toilets in public places and in jails at minimum wage until they've earned enough to buy the victim a brand new thing that was stolen.. and let them keep the one they stole.. It is Bull-sh#t to coddle people who have no respect for the property that other people have earned..

 

[zeehag]

there are enough meth addicts in long beach to supply the world. i was in a slip on O dock for short time, the cops wouldnt believe i was being stalked and stuff stolen from me--i "had an imagination" despite being able to name names of the creeps invading my boat multiple times daily and freeking out my cats, among other unsavory actions on MY boat-without invitation........
i am glad they finally listened and took care of business. woulda been done sooner had they listened many years ago.....

 

[waternwaves]

Breaking into a an occupied boat is no different than breaking into an occupied home.

for those who may not be familliar with the actual LAw (Which as we all know is different in That great country of Canada)

California Penal Code Section 197

> California Laws > Penal Code > California Penal Code Section 197

Homicide is also justifiable when committed by any person inany of the following cases: 1. When resisting any attempt to murder any person, or to commit afelony, or to do some great bodily injury upon any person; or, 2. When committed in defense of habitation, property, or person,against one who manifestly intends or endeavors, by violence orsurprise, to commit a felony, or against one who manifestly intendsand endeavors, in a violent, riotous or tumultuous manner, to enterthe habitation of another for the purpose of offering violence to anyperson therein; or, 3. When committed in the lawful defense of such person, or of awife or husband, parent, child, master, mistress, or servant of suchperson, when there is reasonable ground to apprehend a design tocommit a felony or to do some great bodily injury, and imminentdanger of such design being accomplished; but such person, or theperson in whose behalf the defense was made, if he was the assailantor engaged in mutual combat, must really and in good faith haveendeavored to decline any further struggle before the homicide wascommitted; or, 4. When necessarily committed in attempting, by lawful ways andmeans, to apprehend any person for any felony committed, or inlawfully suppressing any riot, or in lawfully keeping and preservingthe peace. My guess is not enough live aboards and unlocked outboards. perhaps public hangings fridays at 3:00 pm at the mall might change a few felons outlooks. But having stopped a few felonys before, I would observe that most people taking your 10K outboard would have no qualms taking your life if you interferred.

 

[finding41]

I remember reading somewhere that thieves were using Sawzalls to cut the motors off the transom. Not cut the bolts. Cut the transom!
I just broke my throttle handle on my 83 Johnson 7.5hp. So instead of staying locked to the boat it will be in my shop attracting sawdust until I fix it. I plan to get it off the boat and in there today.

 

[zeehag]

is kinda different when they enter when you are at work --i used to work 20hours daily , 7 days per week in a post anes room i managed--these wondrous events occurred when i was at work. i found the shoreline marina cops to be very unsympathetic to my acute problem. i relocated to larsons marina...until i left the port of la/lb area--was way too full of demon tweakers...the police were not helpful to the victims of their crimes--seemed as if they were in cahoots with the thieves.

 

[anchorclanker]

It is Bull-sh#t to coddle people who have no respect for the property that other people have earned..

There is nothing we can do to them, or for them, that our foreign nation friends would accept. I propose we clear their criminal records so they "look" squeaky clean, remove their citizenship, and exile them to the country of their choice, with a free one way ticket.

Thats what europe was doing to us for over 300 years, I say we send them some back and see how they deal with them.

 

[anchorclanker]

--was way too full of demon tweakers...the police were not helpful to the victims of their crimes--seemed as if they were in cahoots with the thieves.

What are demon tweakers, meth heads? There are some would rob their own mother for another hit.