Watch Thief Steal a Purse: Recognize Him?

Sarasota Police are asking for the public's help in identifying a man caught on camera stealing purses from the Blue Rooster, a Sarasota bar and restaurant.

Police say that the surveillance video (posted here) shows the suspect walk into the crowded bar area from the right side of the screen and go to a chair at the bar (on the left side of the screen).

He looks at a purse on the back of the chair, then looks around the room. He works fast. In a matter of just a few seconds, the man lifts his over-sized beige T-shirt. He leans toward the chair, grabs the purse, and puts it under his shirt. He quickly walks away. Then he's gone.

While no one noticed the man's activities at the time, surveillance cameras caught the entire incident, which took place on April 8, 2013.

Police say that a second video (not shown here) shows the same suspect taking another purse from the same bar area.

A third video, shows the suspect exiting the building with two purses under his shirt as he talks on his cell phone. He does not appear worried at all about getting caught.

Police are asking the public for help in nabbing this guy. Does he look familiar?

If you have any information on this case or you know who this man is,  call Det. Maria Llovio, at 941-364-7336.

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