Warning: Trucks being stolen in the Upper Keys

Detectives say they are investigating the theft of a large number of trucks since April from Upper Keys residents.

The trucks – at least eight of them –  are a variety of makes and models including Ford F250 and F350 trucks, a Chevrolet Silverado, two box trucks and a Dodge Dakota. taken from the Upper Keys area between Islamorada and Key Largo. There has been an escalation in the number stolen this month with three taken so far and three more attempted truck thefts.  In the cases of the recent attempted theft cases, the suspect(s) forced open the doors by breaking the door locks and attempted to start the trucks using some kind of tool, possibly a screwdriver or something similar.

Anyone who has a truck, particularly one of the larger ones equipped for towing, should be aware of these thefts; one possible way to avoid having your truck stolen is to park in a secure area, or to park another vehicle in front of it, blocking anyone from taking it.

Detectives say they believe the stolen trucks may have been used to subsequently steal trailered boats either here or in other jurisdictions. In one instance in August, a stolen truck from Islamorada was used to steal a trailered boat; the vehicles were stopped utilizing Stinger Spikes in Florida City and a Miami man was arrested in that case.

Truck thefts like these are actually taking place all over South Florida. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is working with other law enforcement agencies in adjacent counties to investigate these crimes.

Anyone with information about the theft of trucks in Monroe County or elsewhere should contact the Sheriff’s Office. Callers who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers of the Florida Keys. If a Crime Stoppers tip leads to an arrest, the caller would be eligible for a cash reward. The Crime Stoppers hot line number is 1-800-346-TIPS. Tips may be made anonymously on line at www.tipsubmit.com or via a text message to 274637 using the keyword TIP136.

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