Video shows three people inside the store Eight One. In all, they stole between $7,000 and $10,000 worth of merchandise and electronics.
HOUSTON — A Houston cap and sneaker store is working to recover after thieves broke in early Christmas Eve, stealing thousands of dollars in merchandise — including unreleased items that had not yet hit the market.
Surveillance video shows at least three suspects breaking into the store Eight One, a streetwear shop known for its custom hats and apparel, just before 4:30 a.m. on December 24.
According to the store’s creative director, Chad Jordan, the suspects appeared to know exactly what they were looking for.
“They saw everything from the outside, so they started taking items from these shelves,” Jordan said.
Video shows the suspects moving quickly through the store with their faces covered. One can be seen stuffing merchandise into a large bag, while others grab armfuls of clothing and sneakers. Another camera angle shows the group returning moments later to steal electronics, including a laptop and iPad, as well as a box of unreleased custom University of Houston hats.
“It’s a white dome, red brim — and if you see it out in the streets, you know exactly where it came from,” Jordan said.
The break-in happened between 4:21 and 4:25 a.m., according to the store. In just a few minutes, the thieves made off with an estimated $7,000 to $10,000 worth of merchandise.
“They were here for a very short amount of time,” Jordan said. “But it was more than enough time to do a lot of damage.”
Despite the loss, Jordan says the response from the community has been overwhelming. Community members helped board up the broken window, allowing the store to reopen quickly.
“You can’t control what other people do,” he said. “But you can move forward knowing the community is here for you.”
The shop has filed a police report and shared surveillance video on social media in hopes someone recognizes the suspects or the stolen items.
“Those hats were meant for people who love collecting and representing their city,” Jordan said. “They still have time to make it right.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Houston Police Department.
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