ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – St. Johns County deputies are looking for four men in connection with two business burglaries early Saturday morning near the St. Augustine Premium Outlet Mall.
The Sheriff's Office said the men were captured on surveillance video driving up to the front door of Draggin Vapor and smashing the glass front door about 4:50 a.m. A 23-inch touch-screen computer, a Verizon tablet, a Verizon cellphone, a cash drawer with an undisclosed amount of cash and one vape were stolen.
The owner of Draggin Vapor told News4Jax that the break-in cost him $5,000 to fix the place back up and repair everything. He said he hopes it doesn't happen again.
Deputies said the men then broke through the front door of Edible Arrangements, next door. A cash drawer with an undisclosed amount of cash was taken from the second store.
Deputies said the four men drove away in a light-colored vehicle.
"When we came in Saturday morning, we saw the police officers and we saw that two businesses were broken into," Miriam Garcia, owner of My Dream Salon, told News4Jax on Thursday. "It's sad to me because we are family."
My Dream Salon and other surrounding businesses have since taken steps to heighten security. Garcia also offered a tip to all business owners.
"When I put my alarm system in nine years ago, the guy who did the installation, he said, 'You have your alarm system, but it's better to leave your register door open. If they want to break in, that way ... they'll know there's nothing in there,'" she said. "So you should leave it open."
Anyone with any information about the burglaries or who can identify any of the men in the video is asked to contact Detective Kyle Braig at the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office at 904-209-2148 or by email.
To remain anonymous and possibly be eligible for a cash reward, call CrimeStoppers of N.E. Florida at 888-277-TIPS.