LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Police are looking for a man who broke into a woman's car in Las Vegas’ Chinatown and snatched her purse.
Surveillance footage from burger restaurant, Fukuburger, shows the moment the man swiped the woman’s purse from her backseat. The thief waited for the woman to enter the restaurant before pulling up, breaking the window, and speeding off.
“He just swooped in. It was a matter of seconds but what he didn’t realize was that there was a camera right there recording everything,” said Colin Fukunaga, owner of Fukuburger.
A customer eating at the restaurant on Wednesday afternoon couldn’t believe what had happened.
“I would have never guessed that that could happen that quickly. I always make sure I lock the door but in this case that doesn’t seem to matter,” said Emily Lyon.
Security expert Jonathan Alvarez says the crime is more common than you may think, especially, in instances like this one where people leave valuable items in their car, even if it’s just for a moment.
“It's daily. Criminals are getting a little more brazen and taking a lot more risks,” Alvarez, the CEO of Protective Force International, said.
Alvarez added that thieves use window punches and window breaks that are supposed to be saved for emergency situations, like escaping from a car.
“Unfortunately the same tools that are used for good can also be used for evil,” Alvarez said.
Police ask if you recognize the man in the video to call Crime Stoppers at 702-385-5555.
