A new trend in car theft has emerged along San Diego’s coast, with criminals posing as fishermen to target beachgoers, primarily surfers. The San Diego Regional Auto Theft Task Force (RATT) is investigating a series of thefts in areas including Pacific Beach, La Jolla, and Bird Rock, where perpetrators allegedly watch surfers leave their vehicles before striking.
According to authorities, these thieves exploit common methods surfers use to secure their car keys, such as magnetic lockboxes or hiding them in discreet locations on the vehicle. Once the surfer is in the water, the suspects reportedly steal the keys and drive away with the car. Some victims have also reported unauthorized use of their credit cards at major retailers for significant amounts shortly after their vehicles were stolen.
Robert De Pau, a surfer who experienced this tactic, described returning from his surf session to find his car missing and his credit cards used for an $800 purchase at Best Buy. "It’s pretty violating to feel that someone watched you put your key away and then they took your entire car," beachgoer Sydney Chang told NBC San Diego.
In addition to stealing vehicles, the thieves have allegedly used stolen credit cards at stores such as Home Depot, Vons, CVS, Ralphs, and Dick's Sporting Goods. While RATT investigators have made arrests, they caution that the threat persists and believe there may be more victims. The task force is urging anyone with information to contact them at (858) 627-4000.