VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — An Oceanfront business is asking for the public’s help in identifying people who they say broke into the store and stole items.
A spokesperson for Coastal Edge Surf Shop says its store on 21st Street and Arctic Avenue was broken into around 4 a.m. on Sunday, July 23.
Surveillance video of the incident shows four people, who the store says are responsible for the break-in, walking across a nearby parking lot. Coastal Edge said they stole items from the business, including merchandise, cash from the register and energy drinks. They said damages amounted to several thousand dollars.
“We are devastated by this incident, but we remain determined to bring those responsible to justice,” said a spokesperson for Coastal Edge.
"I'm just glad nobody was hurt," said D. Nachnani, Coastal Edge president.
Workers said it was the fourth break-in in recent months, but added that the area is usually safe. While Virginia Beach police report commercial burglary rates have gone up 20% this past month, they say commercial burglaries are actually down 21% this year from past years.
The shop is offering a $500 reward to anyone who provides information that helps them identify those involved in this break-in. Nachnani hopes the individuals are caught, but treated with compassion.
"I hope the four individuals would turn themselves in... everyone makes mistakes, and our ability to show a little compassion makes our community what it is today," said Nachnani.
The shop's been a place for skaters, surfers and the rest of the Virginia Beach community for more than 30 years. Workers thanked that same community for being supportive while they deal with the aftermath of the incident.
“We are a small, tight-knit community, and incidents like this remind us of the importance of sticking together. Please help us bring these criminals to justice, ensuring the safety of our business and the community in which we operate,” the spokesperson said.
"I always say everything happens for us, not to us. And bringing people closer [even if] it is an unfortunate incident, it always heals that much faster when you have a community working with you," said Nachnani.
Coastal Edge shared that they hope the investigation will lead to prosecution.
The Virginia Beach Police Department has not publicly commented on the incident yet.
Stay with News 3 for updates.
