Stolen computers bring some Palm Bay truckers to a halt

PALM BAY, Fla. — Some sophisticated thieves stole expensive computers from several big rig trucks in Brevard County.

The trucks were all parked at Dolphin Self Storage in Palm Bay.

"It has got three security cameras. It has got an electronic gate, barbwire all around the top," said theft victim Mark Miller, describing the security around the storage center.

The thieves cut through the fence around the property and walked into the facility on Babcock Street.

Surveillance cameras recorded two of the suspected thieves as they walked from truck to truck and stole computers from their engines.

The loss of the computers has brought business for nine truckers to a halt.

The drivers Channel 9's Roy Ramos spoke with said it would have taken thieves less than a minute to steal a computer from a vehicle.

They said that the used computers would bring between $1,000 and $2,000. New, the computers sell for around $5,000, they said. And the cost to replace a unit, with the associated wiring, could run as high as $10,000.

The truckers said without the computers their trucks won't run.

Four of the drivers said they were stuck with trucks that had loads to be delivered.

The drivers said they know of this type of theft too well.

"Give us our stuff back. We need it to bring you your stuff. Trucks don't roll, you don't get your stuff. Without trucks America stops," said Miller.

WFTV