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Brevard County boat owners hit by string of costly marine electronics thefts
A string of thefts targeting high-end marine electronics has left boat owners across Florida's Space Coast frustrated and facing thousands of dollars in losses. Investigators say multiple marinas in Brevard County have been hit in recent months, prompting several law enforcement agencies to coordinate efforts to identify those responsible.
BREVARD - Florida boat owners along the Space Coast are frustrated after thieves have seemingly boarded their vessels and stolen high-end and expensive navigation systems.
The Palm Bay Police Department, Melbourne Police Department, and the Brevard County Sheriff's Office are each investigating reports of high-end technology being taken from boats.
Owners: Boat navigation systems ripped out, leaving wires and a financial mess
What they're saying:
For many local boaters, the financial hit is devastating—and for some, it’s a recurring nightmare. Thieves are specifically targeting expensive Garmin navigation devices straight out of the dashboards, leaving owners with cut wires and massive replacement bills.
Ashley Boileau said her boat has been targeted before , and the latest has left her shaken.
"There’s a sense of violation that comes with it," Boileau said.
"For it to happen in December and then again now is beyond frustrating," Boileau said. Between the two stolen Garmin units, she is out roughly $12,000 on replacements.
Too expensive to own a boat now
Greg Grammenos, another local boat owner, woke up on Father's Day to find his vessel targeted in the exact same manner.
"It almost ruined Father's Day, yeah. It wasn’t a very good way to wake up in the morning," Grammenos said, pointing out the damage. "One of the screens is missing."
Just like Boileau, Grammenos is a repeat victim. The crooks managed to hit his boat just weeks after he put it back in the water.
"The boat's only been on the lift about a month or two, and then it just happened again, so it’s been pretty frustrating," Grammenos said. "It’s worrying that you can’t own a boat."
He told FOX 35 that it has become too expensive to keep filing insurance claims and replacing the pricey screens, so he plans to sell his boat.
The other side:
FOX 35 has reached out to Garmin for comment. We have not received a response.
Multiple theft investigations underway
What you can do:
Palm Bay Police confirmed they are actively investigating a theft at a marina off US-1, near Overlook Drive.
The Brevard County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) is assisting Melbourne Police with reported thefts at Front Street in Melbourne while simultaneously working its own active cases along Tropical Trail, the Pineda Causeway, and at Port Canaveral.
Tips from law enforcement:
- Stay vigilant
- Report suspicious activity around marinas, boat ramps, and private docks, especially during overnight hours
- Contacted local authorities or Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477).
The Source: FOX 35 Reporter Esther Bower saw reports of the theft on social media and reached out to victims. She spoke with two on 6/23 via zoom and in person. She also reached out to Melbourne police, Palm Bay police and the Brevard Sheriff's office. She spoke on the phone with BCSO and via email with Palm Bay PD. She did not hear back from Melbourne police. She emailed Garmin media reps but did not hear back by the deadline.