Police Release Video Of Man Accused Of Stealing $7K In Cash, Valuables From Businesses

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Police have issued a warning Wednesday night of a man they suspect of sneaking into businesses and offices in downtown Los Angeles and making off with cash and valuables.

Detectives with the Los Angeles Police Department say security footage from the O Hotel shows the man as he walks into a coat room, looks around, then makes off with a backpack.

Since mid-August, the man is suspected of stealing $7,000 in cash, bags, cellphones, and other unattended property from businesses and offices, according to police.

"I can't believe people actually have the nerve to walk in and take something," Jina Alcarez, the general manager of Casey's Irish Pub, said.

Alcarez says on Tuesday morning the suspect got in through an open back door at the pub. Cameras caught him going into the office, trying to open a safe, and digging around the desk before stuffing a money bag down his pants.

The man is suspected of leaving with $5,000 in cash and a cellphone.

"A lot of hard work kind of put down the drain," Alcarez said.

"My main concern right now is to stop him from committing other thefts," Det. Michael Mazzacano of the LAPD said.

The detective says the suspect is responsible for at least seven cases.

He says the suspect is seen walking into a Smart and Final where he is later seen in the hallway to the break room, according to other footage.

Detective Mazzacano is asking the community to be aware and be on alert.

"If you can keep locations where your property is secured. If it's possible, have someone there to keep an eye on it," Mazzacano said.

"Hopefully the person can be stopped before he gets to more," Alcarez said.

Investigators believe the suspect may be casing locations before he hits.

Anyone with more information about the suspect is asked to call detectives at LAPD's Central Division.