St. Augustine, Florida, February 2, 2026
The recent attempted burglary at Silver Dollar City in St. Augustine raises concerns for local businesses as suspects attempted to access a safe using power tools. The effort was thwarted by reinforced concrete. Co-owner Caleb Jarrard emphasizes the need for improved security measures amidst rising gold and silver prices, which have made such businesses more appealing targets. The incident has prompted discussions on enhancing security regulations to protect local enterprises.
St. Augustine Coin Shop Targeted in Late-Night Burglary Attempt
Concern Raised for Local Businesses Amid Burglary Attempt
St. Augustine, Florida – The recent attempted burglary at Silver Dollar City, a local coin shop, highlights ongoing security concerns for small businesses in the region. On January 30, 2026, surveillance footage revealed that two to three suspects used power tools in an effort to access a safe within the shop. After cutting through a neighboring nail salon’s lock and breaching a wall, they were halted by reinforced concrete while the community watched with bated breath. This incident has drawn attention to the importance of enhanced security measures and community vigilance in protecting local enterprises.
Local entrepreneurs like Caleb Jarrard, co-owner of Silver Dollar City, face challenges that threaten their hard work and investment. The resilience exhibited by small-business owners in navigating such obstacles underscores the vitality of the Duval County economy. As gold and silver prices rise, businesses that deal with precious metals become increasingly appealing targets for criminals. This situation poses a unique challenge, prompting discussions around local regulatory measures that could make it easier for businesses to bolster their security without excessive red tape.
Details of the Incident
On the night of the attempted burglary, surveillance recordings show the suspects laboring with power tools for over three hours. Initially, they accessed the neighboring nail salon around 10:40 p.m. and then attempted to breach the wall directly behind the coin shop’s safe. Despite their efforts in tearing through the drywall, reinforced concrete ultimately thwarted their progress. Notably, at one point, the suspects seemed to become aware of the cameras inside the shop, revealing a moment of hesitation before they fled just before 2 a.m.
Investigation and Security Measures
The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating this attempted burglary. In response to the incident, Silver Dollar City’s co-owner expressed intentions to enhance security measures to protect their valuable inventory. As the value of precious metals continues to rise, it’s clear that these businesses must adapt swiftly to stay one step ahead of potential threats.
Background Context
Coin shops across Florida have frequently fallen victim to burglaries due to their high-value offerings. Past incidents, including a pawn shop raid in St. Augustine in July 2025, emphasize this alarming trend. As local entrepreneurs push forward in their business ventures, understanding and addressing these risks is vital for community safety and economic health.
Community Impact
This attempted burglary has instilled widespread unease among business owners in the area, prompting them to reevaluate their security protocols. Community members are encouraged to stay alert and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement, reinforcing the cooperative effort required to protect local businesses and promote economic resilience in Jacksonville.
Contact Information
Anyone with insights related to the burglary is urged to reach out to the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. Community involvement in reporting information and remaining vigilant is key to safeguarding our local economy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened at the Silver Dollar City coin shop?
A late-night burglary attempt occurred on January 30, 2026, where two to three suspects used power tools to try to access a safe at the Silver Dollar City coin shop in St. Augustine, Florida. They were unsuccessful due to reinforced concrete and fled the scene before 2 a.m.
What did the suspects do to attempt the burglary?
The suspects cut through the lock of a neighboring nail salon and breached the wall directly behind the coin shop’s primary safe. After tearing through drywall, they encountered reinforced concrete, which stopped them from accessing the safe.
What is the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office doing about the incident?
The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the attempted burglary. The business has also upgraded its security measures in response to the incident.
How can the community help?
Community members are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to local authorities to help prevent similar incidents in the future.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | St. Augustine, Florida |
| Business Targeted | Silver Dollar City coin shop |
| Date and Time | January 30, 2026, late night |
| Suspects | Two to three individuals |
| Method | Used power tools to attempt to access a safe |
| Outcome | Unsuccessful due to reinforced concrete; suspects fled before 2 a.m. |
| Investigation | Conducted by St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office |
| Business Response | Upgraded security measures |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
