JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Police say they are looking for a man with sticky fingers.
They said the man robbed a barbecue joint on Edgewood Avenue last week, costing the restaurant about $4,000.
Jerome Brown, owner of Jerome Brown BBQ, has been in the barbecue business for about 30 years, but he said last week was the first time his business was hit so hard.
"They tore out my cash register and took all the ribs, the chicken, all the wings, all the oil," Brown said.
On Jan. 21, police were called to the restaurant at 1551 W. Edgewood Ave. after Brown realized his place had been cleaned out. So much food was taken that Brown said he couldn't open for lunch the morning after a robbery.
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The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said the burglar got into the business by prying open the side door. Once inside, the man stole $4,000 worth of chicken, ribs, fries, wings and an empty cash register.
Brown said one lesson he's learned is to make it obvious from the windows that there's no cash to take.
"That's what we have to make sure -- whoever closes out will have the cash register open," Brown said.
JSO released surveillance video images of the suspected burglar.
Brown said he is focusing on building his business back up and hopes the man is caught.
"Stop, because you're hurting people," Brown said. "You're hurting business."
Anyone who has any information on the man's identity is asked to contact the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office at 904-630-0500 or email JSOCrimeTips@jaxsheriff.org. To remain anonymous and receive a possible reward up to $3,000, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS.