Miami Police Marine Patrol Reports Break-In & $18,000 In Damages
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Police are investigating after parts were stolen from three Miami Police Marine Patrol units.
The "Contender" vessels had $18,000 in damages, according to Miami police. Police said the boats' transmissions and propellers are missing.
Police say the crime happened sometime between Friday afternoon and Sunday morning. Marine patrol officers arriving at work discovered the boats, which are housed at the Miami Yacht Club, were missing parts.
"At this point we don't know who or whom is responsible for this," said Miami Police Sgt. Freddie Cruz. "We are reviewing some possible video."
"Whatever criminal or criminals are responsible for this we will eventually apprehend them," he added.
The Marine Patrol Unit reported a mechanic had worked on the vessels Friday and they were last seen in their usual condition.
Police verified that the mechanic left the vessels intact.
Police say a crime like this can affect their response to emergencies.
"We do have other boats that are available to us, but we do have three that are down now. If there's an emergency out in the water somewhere that basically limits us and we have to depend on other resources," said Cruz.
Police are asking for the public's help.
"We're asking the community to please come forward with any and all information. If someone is trying to sell this equipment and someone comes across it it should say 'Miami Police' on it. If you see anything suspicious please call us immediately," Cruz said.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-TIPS.
Watch Maggie Newland's report, click here.
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