Computer Component Thieves Arrested 
For Immediate Release
Thursday, March 27, 2008

CHANDLER, AZ. Chandler Police Property Crimes detectives have been investigating a burglary of approximately 1.6 million dollars worth of property from AVNET, located in Chandler, Arizona.  In late December of 2007, AVNET employees noticed merchandise missing.  After completing an inventory audit, AVNET learned 1.6 million dollars worth of property was unaccounted for.  A review of surveillance tapes revealed 4 suspects were involved with the theft of this merchandise.  On December 21 and December 24, the suspects posed as employees for a subcontractor of AVNET in order to gain entry into the building.  Once inside the building, the suspects took the computer components to a waiting truck.  AVENT has worked closely with the Chandler Police Property Crimes unit to solve this investigation.

On March 5, 2008, one juvenile suspect surrendered to police and returned approximately 1.2 million dollars worth of the merchandise.   On March 21, 2008, Bobby Steve, a 33-year-old drifter and another juvenile suspect surrendered to Chandler Police.  Charges of Burglary and Felony Theft have been filed against the suspects.  All three of the arrested suspects were identified in the surveillance video.  At this time, $481,487.67 worth of computer components is still missing and one suspect is still outstanding.  The unidentified suspect is described as a white male, possibly of Eastern European descent, medium complexion, 5 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 9 inches tall, 160 to 180 pounds, medium build, brown hair and brown eyes.  At the time of the theft, he had mustache.  The missing suspect is seen in the attached photo taken from the video surveillance.   

This case has been submitted to Silent Witness.  Anyone with information about this investigation is encouraged to call Silent Witness at 1800-343-TIPS or the Chandler Police Department at 480-782-4130.

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