Palm Springs Police Department is warning the community of a spike in pool equipment in recent months as it shared photos of alleged suspects.
An alert on Facebook from PSPD highlights a "significant rise in pool pump and pool heater thefts," while advising area residents how they can take steps to stay safe.
In one case that occurred May 1, vigilant homeowners became aware of intruders on their property, located in the south end of Palm Springs, and confronted the suspects, PSPD said in the community advisory. Although the homeowners' actions prevented all of their pool equipment from being stolen, the suspects managed to get away with a portion of the equipment.
According to the PSPD, witnesses described the suspects' getaway vehicle as a Ford Ranger pickup truck but the color has not been specified. They have also provided details on two male suspects, both believed to be Hispanic. One had black hair, weighed approximately 165 pounds and wore a white long-sleeve shirt, black pants and white facial cover. The other weighed approximately 175 pounds and wore a blue polo shirt, brown pants and red hair cover.
The Facebook alert includes pictures of the suspects, which PSPD is urging the community to help identify if possible.
The security measures recommended by the police department include installing anti-theft cages, video-surveillance cameras and GPS-tracking devices to safeguard one's property. "These measures can significantly enhance the security of your pool equipment," PSPD said in the advisory.
The Palm Springs Police Department expressed a commitment to diligently investigating the thefts and notes that residents should be quick about reporting any such thefts to assist law-enforcement in ensuring justice.
In charge of the investigation is Detective Alex Doherty, who asks that anyone with leads regarding the thefts to contact him via phone at (760) 323-8142, or by email at alexander.doherty@palmspringsca.gov.