A Nocatee toy store says several teenagers stole dozens of collectible toys, costing the business hundreds of dollars, before later turning themselves in. Now, the store says it hopes the incident sparks a broader push for more positive activities and gathering places for local teens.
NOCATEE, Fla. — Employees at a Nocatee toy shop say a recent theft involving teenagers has left the business with a significant merchandise loss, but they also see the episode as a chance to start a community conversation about what options young people have after school and on weekends.
According to the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to ToyTopia on Pine Lake Drive on Aug. 22 after a report of shoplifting. The sheriff’s office said the case remains under investigation.
Store staff said the teens took roughly 28 boxes of Smiskis, a line of small collectible figurines that typically retail for about $12 to $14 apiece.
Julie Fairbank, human resources director for Safari and ToyTopia, said the stolen items were valued at approximately $400 to $500.
“It really not only affected us financially, but, you know, personally,” Fairbank said.
The first incident happened around 7 p.m. Aug. 22, according to Fairbank. Surveillance video from inside the store shows teens opening the boxes and hiding them underneath clothing racks before leaving with the figures.
“They came back the next day. Around, like, 11 a.m., and we did notice two more things were taken, two more unopened boxes,” Fairbank said.
Fairbank said the teens later turned themselves in, and their parents were apologetic.
The incident is not the first challenge ToyTopia has faced with loss prevention, but Fairbank said the store had not experienced something like this before.
Fairbank said the business was grateful the teens came forward.
“We’re really grateful for that. That’s definitely a start for accountability,” Fairbank said.
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But she said the store’s concern goes beyond the stolen merchandise.
The owners of ToyTopia live in Nocatee, and Fairbank said the business considers itself part of the community. The store was created with the goal of giving children a place where they can play, explore and spend time with their families. ToyTopia offers activities including story time and demo tables where children can try games and other products. Fairbank said the store also works to make the experience interactive, with employees helping customers learn how to use products and games.
But she said she sees fewer options for older children and teenagers.
“I definitely think there’s not enough things for our teens and tweens to do, definitely within the community,” Fairbank said.
While Fairbank believes Nocatee has many activities for younger children, including splash pads and other family-oriented amenities, she thinks the community could have more opportunities specifically designed to give teenagers constructive ways to spend their time. Still, Fairbank emphasized that boredom does not excuse theft
“We all expect our teenagers, yes, know right from wrong. 100%,” Fairbank said. “But, you know, and then we give them… We don’t give them the things to do. They just sit at home, and they get bored, and, you know, it’s gonna lead to things.”
Her ideas include opportunities such as classes or recreational activities. She also pointed to the popularity of e-bikes and e-scooters among young people and said communities could consider ways to create more structured activities around interests like those.
“I really do hope that that’s not for me to come up with, but hopefully the community, the builders, developers, community managers, they see this, and, you know, it sparks some debate and ideas on what they can do to add to this wonderful community,” Fairbank said.
Fairbank said ToyTopia wants to remain a place where families of all ages feel welcome.
The store offers a variety of products beyond toys for young children, including puzzles, memory games, adult coloring books, books, school supplies, arts and crafts, Legos, plush toys and other items. Fairbank said ToyTopia also partners with assisted living facilities in the area and provides coloring books and other products that can be used by residents with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
The company has additional ToyTopia locations in Jacksonville Beach and St. Augustine and is continuing to expand in Florida.
For Fairbank, the theft is ultimately part of a larger conversation about the community the business wants to help build.