It sounds like the plot from a 1990s high school movie where nerdy thieves use technology to steal thousands of dollars worth of skateboarding gear.

Stealing Has Evolved In Illinois Through The Years

Back in the day, if thieves were going to steal from a business the whole job was pretty simple. Throw on some ski masks, smash a window to break into the store, grab as much merchandise as you can in a couple of minutes, and then quickly take off. Hopefully, you didn't leave any evidence behind so you get caught.

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If you were an owner of a shop, the security was pretty primitive. Definitely, some kind of alarm. Maybe, it would alert the local police. If it was a big enough business, there was one surveillance camera with a really fuzzy picture. It was nothing special.

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Nowadays, both the good and bad sides are much better prepared. Technology has taken crime to the next level. It's now a battle of brains and the nerds come out on top. In fact, recently in Illinois, a group of techies used a new device to help steal from a skateboard shop.

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Stolen Skateboards In Illinois
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Illinois Thieves Steal Thousands Of Dollars Worth Of Skateboarding Gear

Unfortunately, it's an all too familiar sight in Illinois these days. A group of thieves bust into a store and steal a bunch of merchandise. Usually, the owner has a sophisticated security system with a great video. Eventually, they are able to bust the suspects. Too bad the damage is already done.

According to cbsnews.com, 

Around 4 am thieves hit Prosper Skate Shop in Chicago. The suspects smashed a window, entered the store, and made off with over $10,000 worth of gear including skateboards, shoes, clothing, and more. The only problem is these were nerdy burglars. They used new technology to block the security system. It might have actually helped them get a clean getaway.

Prosper says he believes the thieves used a wi-fi signal jamming device of some kind to prevent his surveillance cameras from working during the crime.

The Most Bizarre Items Ever Stolen From Illinois Residents

My mom once told me that "people will steal anything that's not nailed down." Times certainly have changed since then. The thieves now have nail removers.