Surveillance video of gas station thieves released

SANTA ROSA COUNTY, Fla. (WALA) - The Santa Rosa County, Florida, Sheriff’s Office has released surveillance video of a burglary at a Milton gas station. Deputy Scott Haines said it’s connected to two very similar cases in Escambia and Walton Counties.

From behind the register, the video shows a suspect using a grinder to break through the metal safe.

"He actually has to change the cutting wheel one time during the burglary,” said Haines.

Nine minutes later, he pries the door open and takes a large amount of cash and coins.

The same technique was used in two other burglaries. Both were also Raceway gas stations in Walton County and Escambia County, Florida.

Haines said the way the safe was opened is just one similarity. In each case, the thieves broke right through the wall to get in.

"We’re more than likely dealing with the same group of people that have done at least these three, and that's how it’s being investigated,” said Haines.

Haines said in all three cases, the thieves left something behind: A concrete parking block. He said that is what the thieves used to break through the wall and into the building.

"They knew exactly where they were going, where they could plug the grinder in, and what type of safe they were dealing with, what tools they were going to need to get into the safe ... They were just very prepared,” said Haines.

Then the thief left undetected. All three stores had the same layout and security system, including motion detectors and an alarm.

"You can see how he's kind of crawling out of the picture so he doesn't set off the motion detector,” said Haines.

He knew about the system.

"I would pretty much guarantee that at least one of these individuals has been inside these buildings in the past. Whether it’s in the construction capacity, some type of instillation capacity, some kind of electrical surveillance, safety, something ... They're way too familiar with where everything is at,” said Haines.

Deputies believe there are at least three people involved.

The suspect in the video is covered from head to toe, so there is no physical description. Deputies have recovered some helpful evidence, including DNA from one of the scenes.

If you have any information please call the Santa Rosa, Walton or Escambia County Sheriff's Office.