'Ocean's Eleven' Bandit Caught On Camera In Valley Heist

CANOGA PARK, CA — Detectives in Los Angeles today are shaking their heads today, trying to figure out if a robber in Canoga Park is spectacularly brazen or just dumb. Giving him, the benefit of the doubt and going with brazen, they dubbed him the "Ocean's Eleven" bandit and are asking for the public's help identifying the man caught on camera carrying armloads of loot away from the crime scene.

The Los Angeles Police Department Tuesday circulated security images of the "Ocean's Eleven" bandit, who robbed a sunglass retailer in Canoga Park at gunpoint and made off with more than $10,000 in merchandise and cash.

"I can't remember a robbery so brazen," said Detective Fernando Avila of the Los Angeles Police Department's Topanga Station. "Most crooks try to disguise their faces and don't worry about the cameras, but this crook took a different approach, like a scene out of (the film) `Ocean's Eleven."'

According to police, the man entered the store on the morning of July 6 and spray painted the store's security cameras. However, he didn't take into account that there would be security cameras outside at the Village Shopping Center. The video clearly shows his face as he carries away trashbags full of loot.

The suspect was described as white or possibly Middle Eastern, 25-30 years old and about 6 feet tall, with a medium build.

Anyone knowing his identity was urged to call Detective Avila at (818) 756-3520, or (877) LAPD-247.

City News Service contributed to this report.