Two men suspected of swiping more than 40 iPads and other electronics from Texas Wal-Mart's in just two days are on the run.
Police are looking for 22-year-old John Timothy Cotton Jr. and 19-year-old Jadreon Marquis Robinson in connection with the thefts.
According to Silsbee Police Chief Mark Davis two men entered the Silsbee Wal-Mart at 2 a.m. Sunday, July 22 and allegedly stole several electronics and apple brand products.
Chief Davis said the men stole, "24 iPads at about $12,500 retail value."
The very next day a Wal-Mart almost 300 miles away in New Braunfels suffered a similar theft.
The New Braunfels police captain calls these thieves very bold. He says they went into Wal-Mart around 3 a.m. and stole 18 iPads, then left put them in the car. They then came back inside and stole seven iPhones but then Wal-Mart called the police and the two men were caught.
The men police took into custody were Houston residents 22-year-old John Timothy Cotton Jr. and 19-year-old Jadreon Marquis Robinson who bonded out of jail shortly after.
Wal-Mart contacted Silsbee police to compared surveillance videos with New Braunfels and since put out felony warrants for the two men.
"It appears they were familiar with the store security," said Chief Davis. "And even quite possibly one of them may or may not have worked there."
Chief Davis says police are seeing more and more thieves commit crimes in groups making it easier to swipe more merchandise.
"Ultimately that loss is paid for by the consumer," said Chief Davis. "We pay for that in higher prices."
As the hunt is still on for Cotton and Robinson Chief Davis asks the public to be vigilant and keep an eye out for suspicious shoppers.
According to Chief Davis the same two men have hit multiple Wal-Mart's in Southeast Texas including those in Port Arthur and Lumberton.
Once caught the thieves will face jail time and multiple fines.
If you have any information about the thefts or the suspects you are urged to contact Silsbee police.
