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2 Men Suspected Of Snatching Purses At Popular Restaurants In Malibu

MALIBU (CBSLA.com) — Authorities warned the public on Tuesday of two men who were caught on camera stealing purses from customers at popular restaurants in Malibu.

On Aug. 12, a purse was stolen from a customer at Nobu, located in the 22700 block of Pacific Coast Highway, according to the Lost Hills Sheriff's Station.

Deputies said a woman was having lunch at the restaurant when she noticed her purse had been stolen from underneath her bar stool.

"It only takes a second to grab your property and run away," said Sharona Kay, fingerprint technician for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. "When in public, make sure your handbag is closed. Wallets and checkbooks should not protrude from pockets."

Surveillance video captured two men stealing her purse.

malibu suspects
(credit: Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department)

Authorities said the suspects then attempted to use the victim's credit cards in the Santa Monica area.

"Recently, we have taken many reports of wallets taken from open purses, or the purse in it's entirety," added Kay. "Be especially caustious in busy stores and restaurants, public events and bus stops."

According to deputies, the thefts have occurred at Nobu, Malibu Beach Inn, Casa Escobar, Sunlife Organics, Moonshadows, Ollo, Geoffreys, Duke's and Mastros.

Both suspects are believed to be in their 40s.

Detectives said one of the men stands 5-foot-7 tall and weighs 170 pounds. He was last seen wearing a white Polo shirt.

The second suspect stands 5-foot-9 tall and weighs 170 pounds. He was last seen wearing a grey shirt.

Authorities advised the public not to approach either suspect if seen in public.

To avoid the risk of becoming a victim, authorities advised the public to spot potential trouble, minimize the opportunity for loss and to not make it easy for thieves to target you.

Anyone with information regarding the identities of both suspects has been urged to contact the Lost Hills Sheriff's Station's Detective Unit at (818) 878-1808.

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