At least 6 sought in cell phone store burglary

St. Johns County deputies say burglaries may be connected to other attempts

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – St. Johns County deputies are searching for at least six people seen on surveillance video breaking into an AT&T Wireless store early Monday morning. They're also investigating whether this break-in is related to other recent business burglaries across Northeast Florida.

Deputies responded to an alarm at the store on State Road 312 shortly before 6 a.m.

The burglars were seen smashing the glass front door with an object.  When that attempt failed, they repeatedly kicked the window until it shattered and they entered the store.

IMAGES: Surveillance photos of AT&T burglary

The investigation revealed the six burglars removed a large amount of property in the three minutes they were inside the building.  They also knocked over two display units.

Damage is estimated at nearly $1,200.  The total amount stolen is unknown pending a complete inventory.

Deputies believe the same suspects tried twice to break into a nearby Verizon Wireless store on Old Moultrie Road.  

They responded to the report of an alarm at 5:40 a.m. on Monday.  The burglars attempted to break the glass front door but were unsuccessful.

Last Monday, burglars attempted to break the glass at the same Verizon Wireless at 5:30 a.m. but were also unsuccessful.

The St. Johns County Sheriff's Office says detectives in Flagler and Duval Counties are investigating similar burglaries possibly involving these suspects.

"Our detectives will reach out and try to get as much information as far as surveillance footage, information from witnesses, and just try to link those crimes," said Sgt. Catherine Payne of the Sheriff's Office.

Anyone with information concerning the suspects' identities is asked to call Detective Chris Hernandez at the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office at 904-209-3984.  You can also remain anonymous and possibly be eligible for a cash reward by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-888-277-TIPS (8477).