Shoplifters Caught On Camera Pepper Spray Employee, Cops Say

COSTA MESA, CA —No fewer than ten high-end purses were stolen from the Treasures Store in the Mitsuwa Shopping center Monday evening, Costa Mesa police said.

Closed circuit video showed four women of entering the shop then pepper spraying an employee who attempted to stop them from stealing the expensive handbags, Costa Mesa police department spokesperson Roxi Fyad said.

The above video shows the four inside the small store, gathering merchandise in a frenzy before fleeing the shop, and it was not the first time they'd been there according to police.

"The suspects were in the area several hours before, believed to be casing the store," Fyad said. "They fled in a white compact car, police believe.

The women were described as "females in their late 20s," according to police.

Anyone with information on the crime should call Detective Monte Peters at 714-754-5198.

Costa Mesa Police Department released video, photo