iPhone app helps Bend police solve burglary case

A business owner is breathing a sigh of relief after his stolen cash and iPhone were returned, thanks to an app that led police to the suspects.

Bradley Jeffers, co-owner of Aquatopia, a fish store, had moved to a new building on the northeast side of Bend when he got some unwanted guests.

“We went to check the drawer, and there was no change in the drawer. It seemed odd. I didn’t think anyone would take all of the ones,” Jeffers said Wednesday.

Jeffers said he usually doesn’t leave money in the cash register, but he thought one night wouldn’t hurt. He was wrong.

Overnight, intruders took more than $1,000 in cash and an iPhone. The owner said he thinks the suspects entered through a window or door.

Jeffers didn’t think he would ever get that money or his phone back. But he took action, setting up alerts on his other cellphone and hoping the person who burglarized his store would turn on the stolen phone, which would activate his “Find my iPhone” app.

A few days later, Jeffers got a hit, showing his phone was at Snap Fitness. He had no luck finding the suspect there, but then he got another hit at the Rodeway Inn.

According to Deschutes County District Attorney John Hummel, Justin Phelps, 38 and Bill Dy, 34, stole the cash and iPhone from the business.

Phelps and Dy each face five counts, including second-degree burglary and first-degree theft.

Jeffers said the app helped, but it was the Bend police officers’ quick response that solved the case.

The officer “was literally on it within minutes — he went directly to the locations,” Jeffers said. “The whole ordeal was 30 minutes or less, and we got a notification that he had found all of our stuff and we got it back.”

Phelps and Dy have a lengthy criminal history, according to court documents. Both men are due back in court Monday.

Jeffers said his business has taken steps to improve security around the store.