Do You Recognize this 'Office Creeper' Burglar?

Authorities this week circulated photos of a man who stole electronic items from Tarzana-area office buildings while pretending to be lost.

“We refer to thieves like this man as ‘office creepers,”’ said Los Angeles police Capt. Paul Vernon of the West Valley Station. “They are bold and brazen, and they’ll usually have an excuse when confronted.”

The suspect, who has stolen a cell phone and a $3,000 digital camera, generally enters buildings around lunch time and asks for directions, Vernon said.

Officers released security photos of the man, described as about 50 years old and 6 feet tall, with thinning hair.

Anyone with information on his identity or whereabouts was urged to call Officer Steffensen, of the West Valley burglary office, at (818) 374-7769; or Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS.

City News Service