Broward Sheriff's Office probes two nearby boat electronics heists

Boat owners in Pompano Beach face renewed security concerns after the Broward Sheriff's Office confirmed two separate thefts of marine electronics. The incidents occurred blocks apart in the same neighborhood, with the latest taking place over the weekend.

Surveillance video from the weekend incident shows a masked person wearing gloves walking along a dock behind a townhome complex on Southeast 4th Street. The individual removed two 12-inch Garmin screens. Law enforcement stated that the screens were valued at thousands of dollars.

A similar break-in occurred a few weeks earlier at a residence on Southeast 2nd Street. Jon Martin, the boat owner, stated that thieves removed speakers, amplifiers, and Garmin units from his vessel. Martin reported that the stolen equipment totaled $45,000. Additional rewiring costs will add another $5,000 to his repair bill.

Martin noted that home cameras captured a man approaching the boat before the theft. Audio from the footage recorded sounds consistent with a cordless drill unbolting the gear. Martin said the thieves used cutters to sever every wire. He added that the stolen screens bore the name Dark Tide, which is embedded in the display. Martin and his family expect the boat to remain out of service for months while repairs are completed.

Authorities report an increase in boat electronics thefts along the Florida coast. The sheriff's office advises owners to record serial numbers separately and install security cameras. Martin plans to install security bolts and an alarm system to protect his vessel. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity to Crime Stoppers.