A man broke into a Tempe tech company near University Drive and State Route 143 around 2 a.m. Sunday, smashed a glass window to get inside, and walked out with dozens of empty Mac mini computer boxes — leaving the actual computers sitting right there untouched.
Window Smashed, Only Boxes Taken
The suspect climbed in partially through the window blinds after shattering the glass, according to FOX 10 Phoenix. He wore a plaid shirt and a black baseball hat during the break-in, which was captured on the company's security cameras. Company representative Curran Rose said the window was smashed to pieces and that the man took only empty boxes, even though real computers were sitting right in front of them.
Rose said the company was relieved no one was hurt during the incident, but he noted his boss remained spooked by the attempted break-in. The business has filed a report with Tempe police and is asking the public for help identifying the man caught on camera. The business owner is offering a $1,500 reward for information leading to his identification and arrest, and anyone with tips is asked to contact Tempe police.
Why Would Anyone Want Empty Boxes?
People have discussed possible uses for empty Mac boxes, as in a Reddit discussion. An eBay Community Forums post describes a buyer who received an empty phone box and feared a return scam.
The Location and the Charges
The targeted office is in a business park near University Drive and SR 143.
Whoever is identified and arrested would likely face third-degree burglary, a Class 4 felony under Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-1506 for entering a non-residential structure with intent to commit theft. A first-time conviction can result in a prison term of 1 to 3.75 years, according to AZ Defenders. The charge would apply regardless of the stolen items' low value. Smashing the window to get inside could also trigger a separate criminal damage charge under ARS § 13-1602, with penalties escalating based on repair costs and potential felony exposure if the damage exceeds $2,000, per Oliverson Law.
A City Where Burglaries Have Been Falling
The break-in comes even as citywide numbers trend in the other direction. Reported burglaries across Tempe fell 19.5% in 2025 compared to 2024 as part of targeted police enforcement operations, according to the Arizona Digital Free Press.
For now, the identity of the man who left behind working computers but walked off with empty cardboard remains unknown, and Tempe police are still asking for the public's help.
