The latest cell phone store break-in may have been a futile attempt since the three demo phones stolen won't work.

The Verizon Store on Premier Boulevard was broken into early this morning, Roanoke Rapids police said.

Officer J.A. Salmon responded to an alarm call at the store shortly after 1:15 a.m., Captain Andy Jackson said.

He found the side entrance door glass had been broken and three demo phones were taken. The phones, while valued at a total of $1,000, “can't be used even if they're flashed,” Jackson said.

Flashing a cell phone is a term that describes wiping data from them by using a computer.

Damage to the door was estimated at $500.

Police are still investigating to determine whether the Verizon break-in is related to one that occurred sometime Saturday, Jackson said.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the police department at 252-533-2810 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.