The thief was asking clerks details about global positioning systems before the theft. From AP, :
SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) A joint task force on terrorism has been called upon to help investigate a series of robberies at Southern California electronics stores in which the thief asked about global positioning systems.
The latest robbery occurred Wednesday in Laguna Niguel when a man spent about 25 minutes talking on a cell phone and asking employees about global positioning systems, authorities said. The man then pulled a sawed-off shotgun out of his duffel bag and stole a TV and walkie-talkies.
Investigators have learned of four similar Radio Shack heists in Long Beach, Anaheim, Rowland Heights and Pomona in the last several weeks. Some of the other incidents also began with phone calls asking directions from Garden Grove, said Orange County Sheriff’s Department spokesman Jim Amormino.