Thieves steal thousands in electronics

NAVARRE, Fla (WALA) - Surveillance photos show several men casually walking around in a Wal-Mart in Navarre around 4 a. m. on January 12.

Authorities said that's when they began loading items that they plan to steal into shopping carts.

"What they're doing is going into the store and getting large Tupperware totes. They then put them in shopping carts and load them up with high dollar electronics. They take PS3's, laptops, and computer equipment - just thousands of dollars in electronics," said Sgt. Scott Haines with the Santa Rosa Sheriff's Office.

Haines said the thieves already had their exit strategy planned out.

"They then transport it to the Garden Center where they have cut a hole in the fence. That's when they move the items through that hole in the fence, put it into a car and leave undetected," Haines said.

Haines says more than $10,000 worth of merchandise was stolen.

Authorities across three counties are now trying to identify these guys

Photos also show the suspects stealing from the Destin Walmart in Okaloosa County around 1 a. m. on January 12.

Deputies in Walton County also suspect them in a similar theft in a DeFuniak Springs earlier that week.

Richard Francis has worked in retail for over 20 years. He said thefts like these can affect workers.

"Everything goes up. When you lose items, you have to replace them. You see the fact that you have to work harder to watch everyone, which is unfortunate. Not to mention it just makes it harder to do your job," Francis said.

Haines said they intend to do everything they can to catch the thieves.

"This is something they are continuously doing, and it's brazen. It's not only our agency but a number of agencies that want to catch these guys so the thefts will stop," Haines said.

Authorities believe the suspects may be local.

If you have any information on the crimes, you can contact the Walton , Okaloosa or the Santa Rosa Sheriff's Office .