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By AMB
In a concerning wave of thefts, more than 100 dive tanks have been stolen across Grand Cayman, alarming both the local diving community and law enforcement. The incidents have raised suspicion of a possible connection to the Honduran lobster trade, as these tanks are often utilized on lobster boats, and freight boats travel regularly between the countries and are relatively unregulated.
Authorities have received video footage and license plate numbers linked to the thefts, as well as specific locations where some of the stolen tanks may be found. However, despite this evidence, there has been little progress in the investigations. Local dive operators have urged police to check freight boats that may be involved in transporting the stolen equipment, but there has yet to be any follow-up action from law enforcement.
CCTV showing theft of dive tanks
Requests were made to check freight boats because it is unlikely that another local dive operator is involved in the theft of dive tanks. This is for three reasons:
- Dive tanks are labelled, sometimes bearing the name or initials of the dive operator.
- Dive tanks must be visually inspected annually by someone trained, or they can’t be filled. Those trained to do this can identify who is the actual operator and owner of the tanks and will not fill the tanks if they know another operator uses them.
- There is no local market for the large number of stolen on the island.
Example of dive tank with initials of operator
The theft of dive tanks not only impacts local businesses financially but also raises safety concerns. In the circumstances, the dive operator community hopes for a swift resolution to these thefts and calls for increased police action to recover the stolen equipment and prevent further incidents.
If you suspect a dive tank was stolen or have evidence of stolen dive tanks being used on freight boats, please call the police at 949-4222.
Anonymous tips can be provided directly to the RCIPS via the RCIPS Confidential Tip Line at 949-7777 or via the RCIPS website at https://www.rcips.ky/submit-a-tip.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously via the Cayman Crime Stoppers website at https://caymancrimestoppers.com/ or by downloading the Cayman Crime Stoppers app.
