SPPD seeking information on
videotaped theft of money from child

May 08, 2015
Santa Paula News

Santa Paula Police are asking the public to provide any information on a strange theft that occurred Friday in a Downtown grocery store, a crime caught on a surveillance camera.

The May 1 incident occurred about 1:30 p.m. when a mother and her two children were at a grocery store in the 100 block of South Mill Street.

According to a police statement, “While the mother was attending her baby she gave her 2-year-old child her wallet to hold. The mother then attended to her baby and retrieved other groceries,” pushing the stroller with the younger child in it, leaving the 2-year-old in front of the cashier’s counter.

After the mother and stroller were out of the frame, “The 2-year-old set the wallet next to her feet and looked through her school backpack.” 

As she did, an unknown male carrying a small shopping bag walked by, stopped, bent down and allegedly took a $100 bill from the wallet before walking away.

The male subject was wearing a ball cap, dark jacket, white shirt, and blue jeans; the ball cap prevented his face being caught on videotape. 

But his apparent companion was caught on tape: “He is associated with the female wearing glasses, dark shirt, and shorts,” who is clearly seen and easily recognizable, “however, she appears unaware of the crime occurring.”

The child was not injured and barely looked up as the man took the money from the wallet, which was out of camera range. The clerk behind the counter was moving back and forth and did not seem to notice anything amiss.

SPPD Commander Ish Cordero said police are following leads on the case, which since the surveillance tape was posted on the SPPD Facebook page has been viewed more than 11,500 times.

If anyone has any information they are asked to contact the Santa Paula Police Department Detectives Unit, 525-4474.

If the tipster would prefer to remain anonymous, they can call the SPPD recorded Tip Hotline, 933-5691 or email tips to tipline@spcity.org

Ventura County Crime Stoppers offers a reward for certain crimes when a tip leads to an arrest and criminal complaint.

Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477); the call is not recorded and the caller may remain anonymous.

Ventura County Crime Stoppers can also be contacted by texting “Busted” plus your message to CRIMES (274637). 

Crime Stopper Tips can also be sent via the website, www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org





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