San Diego investigators are warning surfers and beachgoers about a series of vehicle thefts and credit card fraud cases in Pacific Beach and La Jolla, where suspects allegedly posed as fishermen while watching victims hide their car keys before entering the water.
The San Diego Regional Auto Theft Task Force, known as RATT, says the cases follow a similar pattern and may involve more victims than initially reported.
Pattern
According to NBC 7 San Diego, investigators believe the suspects spent time observing surfers as they unloaded gear, parked their vehicles, and concealed keys or valuables. Once the surfers paddled out, the suspects allegedly retrieved the hidden keys and gained access to the vehicles without forcing entry.
RATT said some keys were hidden in magnetic boxes or exterior spots on vehicles, making it easier for thieves to unlock cars and avoid drawing attention.
Thefts
The incidents were reported in Pacific Beach and La Jolla. Investigators said once inside the vehicles, suspects took wallets, phones, and credit cards. In some cases, the vehicles themselves were stolen.
NBC 7 reported that investigators recovered one stolen vehicle, along with keys and thousands of dollars’ worth of merchandise that had been purchased using stolen credit cards at nearby stores.
Victim Account
One surfer, Robert De Pau, told NBC 7 he went surfing after finishing work early and later discovered both his debit and credit cards were missing.
He said he later noticed an $800 charge at Best Buy. De Pau reported he was able to recover some of the stolen funds but said the incident changed how he secures his belongings.
His advice to other surfers was simple: do not hide keys under the vehicle. He said he now takes his car key into the water with him.
Impact
Another surfer, Sydney Chang, said the thefts felt personal because suspects may have been watching closely to see where keys were hidden before taking the vehicles.
Lance Osborn, also interviewed by NBC 7, said the incidents were particularly frustrating for surfers, who often believe their vehicles are secure once they enter the water.
Investigators said they also learned of a separate vehicle theft involving a surfer in the Bird Rock area while following up on the earlier cases.
Ongoing Investigation
RATT believes additional thefts may be connected to the same method. Investigators are asking anyone who may have experienced similar incidents to report them to local law enforcement.
People with information related to the cases can also contact the San Diego Regional Auto Theft Task Force at 858-627-4000.
Safety Advice
Investigators are urging surfers and beachgoers to rethink how they secure their vehicles. If someone can see where a key is hidden, officials warn, the vehicle is no longer secure.
RATT recommends taking keys into the water using waterproof storage when possible, avoiding leaving wallets or phones inside vehicles, and not using common hiding spots such as wheel wells, bumpers, magnetic boxes, or under towels.
FAQs
Where did the thefts occur?
The thefts were reported in Pacific Beach and La Jolla.
How did suspects access the vehicles?
They allegedly found hidden keys after watching surfers.
What items were stolen?
Vehicles, wallets, phones, and credit cards.
Who is investigating the cases?
The San Diego Regional Auto Theft Task Force.
How can surfers protect their vehicles?
Take keys into the water and avoid hiding valuables.
