The Berkeley Police Department is asking the community for help in identifying a man believed to be responsible for several thefts from local businesses in North Berkeley. They have released three images of the suspect.
The thefts involve a man who enters local businesses and targets tip jars as well as customers’ property. In the past month, authorities say he has stolen property from three different businesses located in North Berkeley.
Based on the current investigation, and related video footage, it is believed the man is responsible for the following crimes: stealing a laptop from a business in the 1500 block of Shattuck Avenue on Sept. 13 at 6:15 p.m.; stealing from a tip jar from a business in the 1800 block of Euclid Avenue on Oct. 5 at 8:40 p.m.; and stealing from a tip jar in a second business in the 1800 block of Euclid on Oct. 6 at 4:13 p.m.
The man is described as black with a dark complexion, 35-40 years old, 5 feet 10 inches tall, and 180-190 pounds. He has a receding hairline and black hair, which he wears pulled back into a ponytail, and dark-framed glasses.
Police are urging the public to be on the lookout for this man, and ask members of the public to call authorities if they see him to report his location.
Callers can reach the Berkeley Police Property Crimes Detail at 510-981-5737, or the department’s non- emergency line at 510-981-5900. Callers who wish to remain anonymous can dial Bay Area Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).
These crimes do not appear related to a tip jar theft that occurred at Caffé Med on Telegraph Avenue in South Berkeley on Sept. 28. In that case, three men believed to be responsible were arrested after one of them was tackled by café owner Craig Becker; soon afterward, the trio was apprehended by police.
Berkeley Police also remind community members to employ a few crime prevention measures that can reduce risk and discourage those who commit these crimes: Do not leave property unattended. Purses and backpacks hung on chairs are easy targets for theft. Be alert to the surrounding environment, including people in the area. Police ask members of the public not to hesitate to report suspicious people or activities.
Related:
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