DATE: 2017-03-02 02:00
Country Name: Puerto Rico
Location Detail: Vieques Esperanza
EVENT: Theft
HAND: 1
Stolen Items: Dinghy and outboard
SECURED: Not Locked
DETAILS: An in-the-water and not locked dinghy was stolen from an anchored yacht overnight. The outboard was removed and the dinghy set adrift. It ended up beating against the rocks and was found unsalvageable the next morning, the fuel tank and life jackets were recovered. A police report was made, but victims describe the police as “unhelpful”, and no incident report was provided.
CSSN NOTE: This is the second report for this same night in this bay, see the prior report HERE. There have been 5 thefts reported to CSSN in Esperanza so far in 2017, and police indicated there were several other (not reported to CSSN) dinghy/outboard thefts as well. Thieves operating in Esperanza are vigilant and well prepared, using large bolt cutters on well secured dinghies and trailers when required. Police there have not proven effective at controlling the persistent problem.