Recognize This Westside Purse Snatcher?

LOS ANGELES, CA — Detectives Friday sought the public's help in identifying a man wanted in a string of purse thefts in Venice.

The thefts began around May 24 in the area of Abbott Kinney Boulevard, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

"In two incidents, a male white suspect with brown hair, beard and thin build (stole) two purses from restaurant/bar patrons in the affected area," according to a police statement.

Surveillance video shows the suspect taking a patron's purse from a chair at a bar.

The suspect struck about 10:15 p.m. on May 25 and about 8:15 p.m. on May 28 at the same business, in once case loitering behind a victim for about a minute before grabbing a purse from a barstool and quickly exiting the location, police said.

Detectives with the LAPD's Pacific Station are hoping someone will recognize the man from the video and give them a call.

Anyone with information was urged to call (310) 482-6356 to speak with Detective Obrecht or (310) 482-6355 to speak with Detective Glorioso.

After-hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to (877) LAPD-24- 7. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers by calling (800) 222- TIPS or at lacrimestoppers.org or lapdonline.org.

City News Service; Photo: Youtube Screengrab