Thieves broke into a Jacksonville Apple store, stole dozens of iPads and iPhones, then left them on the side of the road on Thursday, officers said.
The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office is searching for four people who broke into the Apple Store at the St. Johns Town Center and stole more than $30,000 worth of merchandise.
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An off-duty officer said he heard an alarm going off and found the front glass door shattered early Tuesday morning.
Surveillance video showed four people come into the store just before 2 a.m. and put everything in a cardboard box.
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Not long after, a construction worker found 15 iPhones and 18 iPads along Interstate 295 near Baymeadows Road.
The construction worker said a dark-colored, 4-door sedan with damage to the front left the area where the stolen merchandise was found.
A BOLO was issued for the car.
The iPhones and iPads were returned to the store.
The St. Johns Town Center sent this statement:
“St. Johns Town Center continues to maintain a strong commitment to customer safety. We work closely with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office to execute proactive security strategies and create safety awareness throughout the mall and community.
We provide 24-hour security patrols in and around the property, employing both private security and off duty police officers.
We also invest in new technologies to enhance our customers’ safe shopping experience. Safety is our top priority, and our security team is available to assist customers at any time.”