Purse snatchers strike in San Luis Obispo
Two men accused of stealing from a distracted victim while eating in a San Luis Obispo restaurant may have done the same thing in Santa Barbara County.
San Luis Obispo police say the men targeted distracted shoppers and diners on Wednesday. In video surveillance released on the victim’s Facebook page, the men can be seen quickly snatching a woman’s green wallet from her purse while she was seated behind him.
It is similar to the crime that took place at the “Jane at the Marketplace” restaurant in Goleta in January 2017. In that incident, the two men were caught on video surveillance in which one of the suspects can be seen moving a woman’s purse with his foot, then picking it up and leaving the restaurant.
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department says the men were also at Goleta’s Costco and tried using a distraction technique there.
The men are described as middle eastern, possibly Hispanic. One suspect is said to be about 5 feet 8 inches, approximately 180 pounds with a short black fade haircut, sunglasses, clean shave, and wearing dark clothing.
The second suspect is described as being about 6 feet tall, weighing about 200 pounds, with medium-short, tapered black hair. Both men appear to be in their late 30’s.
No arrests have been made. Anyone with information or details on the whereabouts of these suspects are asked to contact your local law enforcement agency.
