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.
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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.
