Yep, it's a bit fucked. Really. I'd bet anything the manager was all keyed up about the many news blips, showing guys who hang about looking out of the corner of their eye at the electronic equipment -- then, at just the right moment, they're out the door with it.
He should've been a little more careful, though. Just post a few notices around reminding customers to keep watch on their stuff. Maybe Starbucks (the corp) wouldn't like that, but tough shit. As a manager, don't tell them you've done it. Let them figure it out.