Shacknews reports that three UPS employees have been fired for stealing Grand Theft Auto IV, which is due out in a couple of hours. They stole copies of the game from shipment boxes destined for retail stores. These employees were fired in the same 24-hour period of their theft, with the tipster noting that such theft is not typical.

“When we have a [big name release], we communicate it to operations and security teams,” said the source. “We have security in place at the facilities, and we make sure they understand to keep an eye out for things to exit the building.

“We had tips from people inside, and some of them were discovered at intermediate hubs… it’s easy to spot: flaps torn, some boxes are re-taped.”

The site notes that the thieves stole single copies for personal use rather than lifting entire boxes for selling at jacked up prices.