Westside convenience store bans 'school kids'

Employee at Fast Stop says thefts have increased

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A sign reading, "School kids is not allowed here" was placed in the window of a Fast Stop convenience on the Westside, after an employee told News4Jax the store has had an increase in thefts.

"Like two times a week," Fadel Warda, an employee, said, when asked how often thefts are occurring at the location on Harlow Boulevard.

Surveillance video shows three teenagers taking candy from an aisle that Warda said was never purchased. An employee said kids were stealing up to $40 worth of candy each time they entered the store.

Warda hopes the thefts will decrease with the addition of the sign. When asked if he's noticed a change, Warda replied, "No more kids are here."

The convenience store said no arrests have been made in connection with the thefts. Warda said kids are allowed in the store with a parent, but not alone.


About the Authors:

Corley Peel is a Texas native and Texas Tech graduate who covered big stories in Joplin, Missouri, Tulsa, Oklahoma and Jacksonville, Florida before returning to the Lone Star State. When not reporting, Corley enjoys hot yoga, Tech Football, and finding the best tacos in town.