The San Diego Regional Auto Theft Task Force (RATT) is investigating a series of vehicle thefts and credit card fraud cases targeting surfers and beachgoers in the Pacific Beach and La Jolla areas, officials announced on June 27, 2026.
Investigators stated that suspects frequently disguised themselves as fishermen to watch victims unload their vehicles and conceal wallets, cell phones, and car keys.
Once the surfers entered the water, the thieves stole the locked cars and immediately used stolen credit cards to make fraudulent purchases at nearby retailers like Home Depot, Vons, CVS, Ralphs, and Dick's Sporting Goods.
Operation Leads to Recovery
Law enforcement officials uncovered an additional vehicle theft involving a surfer in the Bird Rock area during an operation to locate the suspects.
Authorities successfully recovered a stolen vehicle, keys, and thousands of dollars worth of merchandise purchased with the stolen credit cards.
"Finished up work early, so I thought I'd catch some waves," said Robert De Pau, a local surfer who fell victim to the theft ring while out in the water.
The incident resulted in immediate financial losses for the surfer before he took steps to protect his property during subsequent trips to the beach.
"I actually had my debit and my credit card both get stolen from me and like an $800 dollar transaction at Best buy," said Robert De Pau.
The victim noted that the experience changed how he handles his security measures whenever he goes out for a paddle in La Jolla.
"Never stash my car keys underneath the wheel, that's for sure," said Robert De Pau.
He now utilizes specialized equipment to keep his valuables safe after realizing additional victims were being targeted along the coast.
"Definitely a worthwhile investment," said Robert De Pau.
Other local beachgoers expressed severe distress over the targeted crime wave affecting the surfing community.
"It's pretty violating to feel that someone watched you put your key away and then they took your entire car, it's awful," said Sydney Chang, another surfer.
Community members voiced frustration regarding the ongoing lack of respect shown by the perpetrators operating in the beach neighborhoods.
"It's really wrong and people should know better than that," said Lance Osborn, another surfer.
Longtime residents noted that the crime trend has historically impacted the local coastline for decades.
"When I was about 20 years old, about a mile away from here, I went surfing, hid my key underneath the bumper.
I came back about an hour and a half later. My car ended up in Las Vegas," said Devlin Millay, a Pacific Beach resident.
The task force believes there are additional victims in the region and urges anyone with information or similar experiences to file a report with local law enforcement or contact RATT at (858) 627-4000.
