But when they came to collect their loot a few hours later, wakker security guards were waiting.
The 15 skelms had broken into Pep Store and Pep Cell store in Philippi Centre at about 11pm on Saturday.
They stored 31 bags filled with stolen goods worth R118 000 on the roofs of two shops they had burgled.
Four of them then returned a few hours later, at 5am on Sunday, to collect the stash, but were greeted by a team of security guards from TSU Group, who are contracted to Shoprite stores.
The guards disturbed the four robbers as they tried to lug away their loot and managed to arrest one of them.
The suspect was allegedly in possession of a set of earphones which was still in its packaging.
The robbers gained entry into the shop via the roof and ceiling, which had been ripped open.
They also grinded the safe open and took clothing, cellphones, tablets and nappies.
A source close to the investigation explains: “Four suspects were at the store and when they saw the armed response team, they started to run.
“About 15 armed men had gained access to Pep Store and Pep Cell store through the rooftop and grinded open the safe.
“They took everything from nappies, cellphones to tablets, which are worth R118 000.
“The bag filled with stolen goods was found on the roof top. These robbers seem motivated and it is believed they came back after carrying out the first robbery on Saturday.”
Corne Vermeulen, a manager at TSU Group, says the team did a sterling job.
“The guys did their work and they climbed onto the rooftop and saw there was a hole in the ceiling,” he says.
“They found bags which had the stolen goods in it.”
Lieutenant-Colonel André Traut confirms a case of business robbery is being probed.
“One 23-year-old suspect was arrested and is being detained on a charge of housebreaking after he was seen fleeing the scene. The stolen property was recovered in the roof of the store. The suspect’s accomplices are being sought,” he adds.