Serial thief?

MARCO ISLAND — About $13,000 worth of landscape equipment was stolen on Marco Island in three separate incidents, and Marco police aren’t sure how separate those incidents really are.

“I’d be surprised once we find the person if they didn’t do all three,” said Marco Police Capt. Dave Baer.

The landscape equipment was stolen from three commercial contractors’ trailers, including David Rice of Total Home Services. All three incidents occurred within a five day span between Nov. 5 and Nov. 10 and less than a mile apart from one another.

“I can remember a couple similar thefts over the last couple years, but this is a lot for a community this size,” said Baer.

Rice said this is not the first time his trailer has been broken into over the years and he doesn't know who could have done it.

"It's become a part of doing business... People think there is no crime on Marco Island, but there is," he said.

The other victims, Jose Angeles and Alejandro Lora could not immediately be reached.

Baer offered tips for how people can protect themselves and possibly help law enforcement. He recommends people park their trailers where patrol officers and citizens can easily be seen.

“Don’t give bad guys shadows to hide in,” Baer says.

Always lock up too. Although the criminals in these cases used bolt cutters, many times criminals aren’t even delayed by things such as locks because people leave themselves unprotected, he said.

Baer also recommended citizens give police a hand in the investigation process by recording the make, model and serial numbers of their equipment in case it is ever stolen.

Anyone with information on these cases is encouraged to contact the Marco Island Police Department (239)389-5050.