Purse Snatching Bandit Targeting Local Restaurants NR18165rh

Venice: The Los Angeles Police
Department and Pacific Detectives Theft Section, is investigating a
string of purse thefts at local restaurants and are asking for the
public’s help in providing any information that would lead to the
identification and arrest of the suspect.

The string of thefts began around May 24, 2018 in the area of Abbot
Kinney Boulevard and Venice Boulevard. In two incidents, a male
white suspect with brown hair, beard and thin build stealing two
purses from restaurant/bar patrons in the affected area.

**On May 25, 2018, around 10:15 p.m., a male white suspect with
brown hair, beard and thin build stole a bar patrons purse from a
chair before running out of the restaurant.

**On May 28, 2018, around 8:15 p.m., the same suspect entered the
same location and loitered behind the victim for around one minute
before grabbing the purse from a nearby stool and fleeing from the
location.

Pacific detectives are hoping the community will recognize the
suspect from the videos. Anyone with information to these crimes
are urged to contact Pacific Area Theft, Detective E. Obrecht at
(310) 482-6356, or Detective L. Glorioso at (310) 482-6355.
During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be
directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to
remain anonymous should call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at
1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to
www.lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may also visit
ww.lapdonline.org, and click on “Anonymous Web Tips” under the
“Get Involved-Crime Stoppers” menu to submit an online tip.
Lastly, tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile
application and select the LA Regional Crime Stoppers as their
local program.