Burglars caught rocking the boat

Greg Risling

NEWPORT BEACH -- They are a stunning sight and cost a fortune.

Luxurious yachts moored in Newport Harbor are purchases most can only

dream of. They are also a popular target among burglars.

The high-priced vessels often have an assortment of goods burglars can

select from. Take for instance three thieves who were arrested Tuesday

night after they were caught trying to get away with some expensive

fishing equipment. The three suspects, all 19 years of age, had broken

into two yachts before they were nabbed by authorities.

Police identified them as Michael Pfau, of Upland; Justin Troxel, of San

Diego; and Fernando Sanceau, of Pomona.

Whether it is a global positioning system or outboard motors, police

said, there is an abundance of stolen items floating around the boating

industry.

“You go to boat shows or a marine hardware store and you’ll find crooks

trying to pawn this stuff off,” said Newport Beach police Sgt. Mike

McDermott. “There is plenty of opportunity to steal marine hardware down

here.”

That isn’t meant to be a welcome sign for would-be burglars, but

statistics show certain boating accessories are especially attractive to

thieves. Lately, the most popular item has been outboard motors, which

average between $800 and $3,500. Newport Beach police estimate 20 to 25

motors have been taken during the last six months.

Police said many of the stolen items can be easily resold for a fraction

of the retail cost. And when you are talking about boating accessories

that are worth thousands of dollars, 10% to 50% of the retail value isn’t

a bad deal.

“Any harbor you go to, you will find outboard motors are a popular

thing,” said Sgt. Donna Soto of the Orange County Sheriff’s Harbor

Patrol. “People strip it down and sell the parts, and unlike cars, they

aren’t registered with the state. It’s the nautical version of a car

stereo when it comes to boating burglaries.”

Soto said some thieves are bold enough to advertise stolen items in

newspapers.

“They are pretty easy to sell,” she added.

However, some boat shop owners have taken notice of “hot” goods and asked

extra questions of the seller. McDermott said they have been contacted by

some owners who thought they might have a criminal on their hands.

“We’ve caught a couple of guys like that before,” he said. “These guys

realize there is a high-dollar amount and are willing to take the risk.

We’ve been fortunate to have some people notice something and notify us.”