Thief’s trick to hide heist of 30-foot yacht from Marina del Rey

A cunning thief pulled off a daring heist in Los Angeles, making off with a 30-foot yacht and leaving behind an even shabbier boat as a decoy.

The vessel used by the youth sailing program Sea Scouts was stolen from a Marina del Rey dock sometime between March 17 and March 21, according to KTLA.

Known as the Island Hopper, it was used to train youth members of the co-ed program affiliated with Scouting America, the organization previously known as Boy Scouts of America.

A troop leader first noticed the 1979 Islander was missing from its slip on Saturday. Another sailboat, described as “in pretty rough shape” was left behind in its place, Scout Ship 16 Skipper Paul Renner told the outlet.

The mastermind behind the yacht theft even switched the vessel’s DMV identification number on to the decoy boat, making it appear as though it belonged at the dock.

“We’re hoping the boat shows up so we can get it back,” Renner said.

“While our Sea Scouts are mostly powerboaters, we wanted to use the Island Hopper to build a stronger sailing program. Besides, it’s the principle of the thing. Who would steal from the Sea Scouts?”

Sea Scout officials report they’ve been targeted in several recent incidents. Last year, an outboard motor was stolen, while six weeks ago, a radar display and marine radio were also taken, according to CBS.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is handling the investigation. The stolen yacht has not yet been recovered.

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