Recent thefts at both outlets in St. Augustine are raising new concerns about the old problem: security.
According to the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, a family of five, apparently including to be an 8-year-old girl, teamed up Monday to steal three pairs of Versace sunglasses at one Sunglass Hut that were worth $900.
Deputies told Action News Jax both Sunglass Huts at the two outlets have seen a combined 24 thefts this year, totaling approximately $25,000 in losses.
“The number of shoplifting cases we have there puts a deputy sheriff in their parking lot more routinely than we like to see,” says SJSO Commander Chuck Mulligan.
St. Augustine Outlets General Manager K.J. Hatfield sent Action News Jax this statement:
“We take the safety of our employees and customers very seriously. As such, we have increased security preventative measures to reassure visitors and employees. We are continuously working with police as part of their ongoing investigation and this should not cause concern or alarm visitors.”
Meantime, St. Augustine Premium Outlets General Manager Mark Adcock sent this statement:
"At St. Augustine Premium Outlets, safety is a top priority. We implement strategies both apparent and behind the scenes to keep our shoppers, retailers and employees safe. We have a robust 24-hour security force in place and a strong partnership with the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office, who regularly patrol the center.
We reached out to Sunglass Hut’s corporate headquarters, but they do not accept messages or emails.