JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- A string of thefts are hitting St Augustine Premium Outlets this holiday season. In just a week, five suspects are at large after stealing thousands of dollars’ worth of merchandise at outlet stores in St. Johns County.
Outlet employee Brianna Smith didn’t know about the thefts until First Coast News told her; still, despite the crime, she says she’s never felt safer at a job.
"I’ve walked to my car late at night without looking over my shoulder, I haven’t had any problems," said Smith. "There’s always a set of eyes on us."
While security does keep a constant patrol around the parking lot and storefronts, there are other sets of eyes watching stores too -- potential thieves.
Chuck Mulligan with the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office says there are three specific reasons why the outlets are targeted, especially this time of year.
"They are a target of professional shoplifters," said Mulligan. "Many of them come looking for name brands."
He says many of the items stolen are put up for sale on the black market and are difficult to track.
"Also, they are right off the highway," said Mulligan. "And with more foot traffic right now they can sneak in."
Over the past three years, there have been more than 200 reported thefts at the outlets.
On Tuesday, five suspects were caught on camera stealing items. One suspect stole from Ralph Lauren Polo, one of the most prominent stores for thieves, and a group of four stole from Old Navy.
"Every store has it’s own policy, it’s our job just to respond when they do see a crime and then attempt to solve," said Mulligan.
Some companies may not pursue prosecution because of the cost it entails, but it depends on the severity of the crime.
The outlets say they can’t go into their security measures because that’s part of the security, but they are constantly surveilling the area and they work closely with the sheriff's office.