Alameda Outboard Thefts Continue

Periodic outboard thefts have been a serious problem in the Oakland-Alameda Estuary for years. And despite occasional busts by area law enforcement agencies, the problem continues, even — according to powerboat owner Steve Waterloo — in the supposedly gated and guarded dry storage facility of Alameda Marina.

As Waterloo explains, "After I got my trolling motor stolen from my fishing boat two years ago, I installed a motion-activated security camera on my radar arch. The majority of sailboats in the storage area have had an outboard stolen so they now take them home when the boat is not in use. This isn’t possible with a powerboat that has remote steering and throttle."

The video below was captured over a two-week period, showing thieves in both broad daylight and at night working to steal Waterloo’s 250hp Yamaha outboard and a 9.9 kicker motor. 

Waterloo’s video is jaw-dropping.

Waterloo and other theft victims have accused the marina’s operators, Bay West Group, of providing inadequate security: "It appears that their negligence in securing the property is intentional. The more trouble they can attract to the marina, the stronger their argument is for development. It seems that they are complicit in their non-action." As reported earlier, Bay West has hopes of getting the City of Alameda’s approval for a major redevelopment of the property, which would reduce boating infrastructure, while adding substantial residential components.

But Harbormaster Paul Houtz rebuts such allegations, pointing out that the property is gated and guarded, even overnight, with tenant-only card key access between 6 and 9 p.m., when only the main gate is unlocked. As Houtz points out, one security issue is that "the public shoreline goes through the property," adding, "I have been working directly with the chief of police to address theft issues."

Waterloo claims, "The damage done to my boat will cost over $41,000 to repair (insurance will cover $25K). A group of boat owner victims are working with an attorney to recover deductible amounts and possibly loss-of-use compensation from Alameda Marina." Interested parties may email here.

Thanks to Waterloo’s video, one suspect is in custody. If you have info on the thieves pictured, please contact Sgt. Klaus at the Alameda Police Dept (510) 337-8340. Whether in Alameda or elsewhere, being proactive, as Waterloo has been, may be the greatest deterrent to future thefts.