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Security Camera Catches Thief Stealing $3,500 Drone

EL MONTE (CBSLA.com) — Police are hoping security-camera footage will lead to the arrest of a man they believe stole a drone from a business.

The drone was stolen from Sure RC in El Monte about 6 p.m. Friday. A man entered the store, claiming that he was interested in purchasing a drone.

After speaking with a store employee for a moment, he walked around the store, inspecting different models. About 20 minutes later, the man states that he's ready to complete his purchase.

The man follows the employee to the cash register, at which point he suddenly turns around, grabs a display drone and remote control, and leaves through the back exit.

Outside the store, an apparently waiting car pulls up. The thief runs up to it, jumps in with the drone and drives away.

The model stolen was a DJI Inspire 1 Drone, considered very popular and worth about $3,500. The drone, equipped with specialized sensors, GPS and a 360-degree camera, can fly at speeds up to 50 mph.

The store owner, who has only been open for business for eight months, hopes someone recognizes the thief and has only one message for the thief.

"Give me my drone back."

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