4 teens arrested after breaking into JCPenney, Daytona Beach police say

Daytona Beach police caught four suspected serial burglars, who investigators said smashed their way into a store at the Volusia County Mall.

Police said the four teenagers tried to get away but ended up crashing their car in DeLand.

Police think the teenagers who operate out of Orlando might be linked to other break-ins in the area in Daytona Beach, DeLand, Deltona and Seminole County.

The latest happened about 4 a.m. Wednesday at the  JCPenney store at the Volusia County Mall.

The teens crash more than 10 miles away from the mall on Orange Camp Road in DeLand when they swerved to avoid stop sticks in the road, police said.

Police said the group of teenage boys, who are 17, 16, and 15 years old, are known for using pipes to smash glass doors of businesses and make off with the cash register.

Police said they broke into nine cash registers and stole 11 pairs of Nikes. The teens caused about 6,500 in damage, police said.

Investigators said security called it in, and officers followed the suspects via helicopter.

Officers caught the teens after the crash as the teens ran from the vehicle.

Police said the teens broke into a nearby gas station last Friday.

Police said the two 15-year-old's have racked up close to a dozen warrants mostly for grand theft and burglary.

When police asked one of the teens why he committed the crimes, he said he needed the money for a car so he could help drive his disabled sibling around, investigators said.

Cox Media Group