'It Only Took 7 Seconds': South Bay Police Department Warns Of Distraction Thefts

EL SEGUNDO, CA — The El Segundo Police Department warned people to be wary of distraction thefts.

To highlight what a distraction theft looks like, the El Segundo Police Department posted a video from a business in the 700 block of Pacific Coast Highway, where a woman appears to have her purse stolen in a "classic distraction theft" on May 15.

The woman can be seen shopping in the video and has her purse in a cart. At some point, a man approaches the woman while a second person reaches into the cart and leaves the scene.

Police say the man asked the woman about a product. But before she could answer, he ran away. The woman then realized her wallet was missing from her purse.

"It only took 7 seconds," the police department said in a statement on social media Monday. "It's more common than you think. Thieves often work in teams. One distracts while the other steals."

Earlier this month, police say the suspect involved in the theft confessed to the crime while in jail for a separate incident. He has since been charged with conspiracy to commit a crime and petty theft, according to the El Segundo Police Department.

The ESPD said the following tips can help people avoid becoming a victim of distraction theft:

• Stay alert
• Never leave a wallet or purse in an unattended shopping cart
• People should trust their instincts. "If something feels off, it probably is," police said.