In the early hours of January 4, two Sea-Doo jet skis were stolen from a yard on The Boulevard, close to Port Melbourne Beach, as reported by the police.
Investigators suspect that a group of thieves orchestrated the theft using a grey Nissan Navara and another vehicle to haul away the jet skis, which were already mounted on trailers.
Thanks to a tracking device affixed to the jet skis, police were led to a vacant property on Troups Road South in Mount Cottrell. However, upon searching the premises, officers found no sign of the stolen items.
Authorities believe the culprits may have deactivated the tracking devices at the Troups Road location, situated on the western outskirts of Melbourne.
To aid in their investigation, police have released CCTV footage of a man they are interested in speaking with regarding the incident.
Additionally, images of the stolen jet skis and the suspect Nissan Navara have been made public in an effort to gather more information.
Victoria Police detective acting sergeant Sean Armstrong slammed the actions of the thieves , noting the jet skis were “absolutely essentials” to the lifesaving work undertaken on beaches across the state.
To steal equipment that is literally used in life-or-death situations is just incomprehensible,” Armstrong said.
“These offenders have not only stolen crucial pieces of equipment, but they have also potentially put swimmers and those visiting beaches across the state at risk”.
