Ten boat engines were stolen from the Port of the Islands Marina in southern Collier County last week, taken from boats that were dry-docked in preparation for Hurricane Irma.
Mike Randall of Naples Boat Rentals had three of his boats placed on cinder blocks to protect them from the waves and storm surge, never thinking they would be vulnerable to thieves. The engines of all three were missing when he went back to check on them after the hurricane passed.
"They just cut the bolts completely off and took the while dang thing," Randall said. "As a small business owner, it's hard because we're looking for every dime we possibly can get, and then this happens."
He said he's determined to get back up and running, and get his boats back in the water - not only for his business, but for a special event he's planning for first responders on October 18th.
"We're giving every first responder and their family a half-day free rental," Randall said. "We'll serve hamburgers and hot dogs, and they won't even have to pay for gas or anything."
He wants to warn others who took their boats out of the water to check on them and get them secure.
"These thieves are out there, and we have to protect ourselves from them," he said. "Karma has no menu. They're going to get served what they served up, and hopefully a little bit more."
Randall believes the thieves are part of a ring who will likely sell the engines as parts.
