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Authorities reported that two Sea-Doo jet skis vanished from a yard on The Boulevard, close to Port Melbourne Beach, around 5 a.m. on January 4.
Investigators suspect a group of thieves utilized a grey Nissan Navara alongside another vehicle to haul away the jet skis, which were conveniently attached to trailers.
A tracking system installed on the jet skis guided law enforcement to a vacant property on Troups Road South in Mount Cottrell. However, upon arrival, the jet skis were nowhere to be found.
Police now theorize that the culprits may have deactivated the tracking devices at the Troups Road location, situated on Melbourne’s western edge.
In an effort to advance their investigation, authorities have released surveillance footage of a man they are keen to interview regarding the incident.
Images of the jet skis and the Nissan Navara in question have also been released.
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”.