11:43 AM -- Police were onto Joey's sticky fingers in early February because they released security footage to the public ... showing him swipe a Buddy Guy model Fender Strat guitar.

You can see Joey holding the guitar and casually strumming the guitar before allegedly making his way out the door February 7 at Troll Music store. After police released the footage, local music store owners were now on high alert.

Then, on February 11, Joey hit up Sarasota Sam Ash music store and workers recognized Joey. He sampled a few guitars before walking out with a $2k Les Paul.

But, this time Joey was followed out to his car and confronted. We're told a few customers blocked his car so he wouldn't escape before cops ultimately arrested him.

"School of Rock" star Joey Gaydos Jr. is rocking a seriously sad tune ... about stealing guitars, or at least about getting busted for jacking 'em.

Joey, who played lead guitarist Zack, in Jack Black's fictional school band, is facing felony charges in Florida for larceny and grand theft ... after cops busted him 4 times in the last 5 weeks for allegedly stealing guitars and an amplifier.

According to cops, Joey is making a bad habit of walking into stores, asking to test guitars, walking out with the instrument without paying ... and then unloading them at pawn shops.

Police say Joey's string of heists began early this year ... when he allegedly nabbed a blue Epiphone Prophecy Les Paul valued at $800, a black Fender Stratocaster worth $699, and a Gibson Les Paul gold top with a $1,900 price tag.

Zack Attack's got expensive taste!!!

Of course, every good electric guitar needs a kickass amp ... so naturally, he also got busted for stealing an amplifier.

According to cops, Joey confessed and blamed a drug problem. However, in court he entered not guilty pleas for the guitars. He's yet to give a plea in the amp case.