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Surveillance cameras at several area stores captured the image of a man (above) Santa Paula Police want to talk to in relation to an October car burglary and stolen debit card.
The man (above) was allegedly using a stolen debit card when (accompanied by a female companion, left) used it to pay for purchases at Big Lots and Baskin Robbins.
Santa Paula Police are asking for help in identifying the subject (above) wanted for questioning in the Christmas Eve theft of perfume from Kmart.
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Caught on tape, catch for real: SPPD asks help to ID theft suspects
January 16, 2015
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula News
Santa Paula Police are looking for suspects in separate crimes that involved a stolen debit card and some Christmas Eve shoplifting and are hoping members of the public might recognize those “caught on tape” through surveillance cameras and help catch them for real.
According to SPPD Sgt. Cody Madison the first theft occurred in October in the 100 block of Fuchsia Lane.
“Somebody had their car broken into,” sometime between October 21 and early morning October 22.
By the time the victim “reported the theft to the SPPD they knew the debit card had already been charged... “
A man using the stolen card was caught on surveillance video at Big Lots and Baskin Robbins Ice Cream. A woman accompanied him to both locations.
“The male subject was the only person using the card,” said Madison, “but maybe we’ll get lucky and the identification of the female will lead to him... “
Needless to say there will be no more photos of the suspect using the credit card: those who steal credit cards usually use them within 24 hours, “Typically, that is their window,” said Madison. “The following morning they’re ready to shop, and if stores are not open they go to the gas station,” and fill up on gas and at the convenience store.
Once a retail business opens they’re first in line but if the card is denied - meaning the owner knows it is missing and cancelled it - Madison said it’s time to throw it out.
“They just chuck it, it’s useless,” plus if the card remains in the thief’s possession it’s almost as good as a confession when the subject is arrested.
The screen capture from the second surveillance video released by Santa Paula Police is of a subject wanted for questioning in a theft that occurred Christmas Eve in Kmart.
“I’m not sure if it was a Christmas gift,” but Madison said the theft involved “one bottle of Vera Wang perfume, valued at 50 bucks... “
If anyone has any information they are asked to call Madison at 525-4474 x 220. He said callers can remain anonymous.
Callers can also remain anonymous by contacting the SPPD recorded Tip Hotline, 933-5691 or emailing tips to tipline@spcity.org
