Detectives are investigating a large number of boat burglaries at a storage lot on Big Pine Key.
An employee of the storage lot, located on Industrial Road, called the Monroe County Sheriff's Office on Monday morning when he arrived at work and discovered the crimes that had taken place over the weekend.
While detectives are still working to determine what was stolen, it appears the suspects entered 54 boats. Many of the boats had plastic or canvas covers which were sliced by an unknown object.
It is unknown how many of the boats are missing property. Many boat owners live out of the county and must be contacted individually to see if they had any valuables on their boats, according to detectives.
The sheriff’s office recently posted surveillance photos and videos of possible suspects in marine-related crimes that have been taking place in the Middle and Lower Keys.
There is a special reward of $5,000 being offered by Crime Stoppers of the Florida Keys and the sheriff’s office for information leading to arrests.
If you have any information about these crimes, call 1-800-346-TIPS.
