MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – In the last Neighborhood Crime Alert, Local 10 News reporter Andrew Perez exposed how targeting bicycles meant big business for thieves and what police are doing to crack down on the elaborate operation.
This next class of criminals prefer an office with a view.
Some have called them "Sand Snakes," and police said they've gotten really good at stealing from unsuspecting beach goers.
"You know, when they're walking up and down the beach they're going to blend in like anybody else," Miami Beach police Officer Ernesto Rodriguez, who works to combat the trend, said. "A pair of board shorts, no shirt, and they just continue walking and seeing what (beach goers) have on the chair to pickup."
While you're soaking up the sun or playing in the waves, the reality is, you're a target and these thieves come in all shapes and sizes.
Terry Person, 24, remains in jail after being arrested seven times for beach theft in Miami Beach.
Eduardo Rivera, 73, has been arrested five times for the same thing, according to authorities.
It wasn't hard to find a beach goer who has fallen victim to these types of career criminals.
"I was an idiot. I was in the water and I left a Canon camera chilling," Rudy Tijerino, who was hit at a Tampa Beach, said.
Tijerino said he learned his lesson and was covering up his electronics using bags and towels while swimming in the water off Miami Beach.
While people were out enjoying the day, Perez took a walk with police to see what we could take if we were the bad guys.
Perez found open bags, designer goods and even cell phones left out for the taking.
Police pointed out that most of the property owners were in the water, completely unaware that we were standing over their belongings.
It's one reason Miami Beach has now setup locker areas along the coastline, allowing visitors to lock up their valuables.
Police are also stepping up and patrolling on all-terrain vehicles, to stop these criminals in their tracks before a repeat offender strikes again.
Tips to keep your valuables safe on the beach:
- If possible, use a locker or secure area on the beach to store valuables.
- Keep valuables in a closed bag and cover the bag with your towel before entering the water or walking away.
- Try to enter the water or walk the beach in shifts when in a group.
- Keep an eye on your area when swimming in the ocean.
- Most importantly, if you see something say something. Police said if someone appears to be suspicious, trust your gut and report them.
Police said they are regularly riding along Miami Beach and working with lifeguards to monitor activity.
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