HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – Jeremias Berganza said he’s trying to grow his business, but fending off crooks has become his full-time job.
In about two years, he’s had at least 15 incidents — from smash and grabs, to grab and runs. He said crooks are constantly plotting to steal high-dollar phones from ‘iShop Repair’ in Hollywood.
“The problem is that they find where to sell it. If there’s nowhere to sell it, then people don’t think of stealing,” said Berganza.
In the most recent case, caught on camera, two young men attempt to purchase an iPhone 13 Pro.
Their credit card however was declined and they promised to come back to pay for the phone in cash.
When they returned, they waited for an opening to snatch the phone. It was charging behind the counter. Berganza gave chase.
“I felt like they were up to something,” he said. “when they tried to pay I said ‘Probably they’re legit customers.’” He continued, “The next time they came back, I lowered my guard a little bit and that’s when they hit.”
It’s the latest in a series of incidents between his stores in Miami Gardens and Hollywood.
Berganza also shared more videos of other snatch and grabs, costing him thousands. He is asky anyone with information about the latest case to call The Hollywood Police Department