Theft Suspect Wanted NR13118sm

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Art Theft Detail detectives are asking for the public’s help in providing any information that would lead to the arrest of 42-year-old Timothy Steven Shope.

On March 7, 2013 Shope was arrested in Reseda for multiple counts of burglary, grand theft and elder abuse.  After his arrest, Shope was released on bail.  On March 28, 2013 Shope failed to appear for his arraignment. A bench warrant has been issued and bail has been set at $200,000.

Shope is an active theft and fraud suspect with a lengthy record in California, Texas, Arizona, and North Carolina.  Shope is known to visit various dating websites; after befriending those on the website he burglarizes them. He is also known for buying and selling fake expensive watches through Craigslist and eBay as well as stealing Rolex watches from merchants and collectors.

Shope has resided in the San Fernando Valley and is believed to have family in North Carolina.  LAPD warns the public that Shope frequently poses as a package delivery employee.

Anyone with information on this crime is asked to contact LAPD Art Theft Detail detectives at 213-486-6940. 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 Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to www.LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.