Backup surveillance footage captures alleged robbers

CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. (WSVN) -- Police have been able to provide clear images of the alleged robbers of a cell phone store who had confiscated the sole surveillance equipment in the premises.

Unbeknownst to the three individuals, two men and one woman, the T Mobile store on 1327 North University Boulevard that they allegedly held up Thursday night had a measure in place for such an event. "We were actually able to get video, even though the individuals who committed the robbery took the surveillance camera equipment with them," said Coral Springs Police Department Sgt. Brad McKeone. "The store's corporate office was able to obtain video through a backup system."

The footage has given investigators an accurate account of the robbery. Two of the three alleged thieves "Were at the store for approximately half an hour picking out different cell phones and asking questions," said McKeone. "They waited until all the customers left and the employees locked up for the night."

The woman appeared to keep store employees distracted, until her partner came behind the counter with a semi-automatic pistol.

A third male showed up as the other male herded the employees into a back closet and bound their wrists with zip ties. The alleged robbers then took 25 Samsung Galaxy phones priced at about $500 each and an unspecified amount of cash.

With iPhones and other smartphones like the ones the three alleged thieves stole selling for $500 and up, cell phone store robberies have become a commonplace occurrence across South Florida.

Last Friday, crooks drove a car right through the front entrance of a Sprint store in West-Miami Dade at Northwest 87th Avenue and West Flagler Street. The next day, the same thing happened at a Verizon store at the 14000 block of Biscayne Boulevard in North Miami Beach. "Late at night, it's an opportune time for robbers because there are fewer customers," said McKeone. "Just beware, if you're at a store and something doesn't seem right, if you see people outside sitting in a vehicle, call the police. We'll come check it out. If it's nothing, no big deal."

If you recognize any of the two people on the Coral Springs surveillance photographs, or if you have any information on these robberies, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Miami-Dade residents can call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward.

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