Authorities are asking for the public's help to identify a robber they've dubbed the "Ocean's Eleven Bandit" in Canoga Park. The LAPD released images of the bold thief who police say walked into a sunglass shop on July 6th taking more than $10,000 worth of cash and merchandise at gunpoint.
"I can't remember a robbery so brazen," said Detective Fernando Avila, robbery investigator at the Topanga Police Station. "Most crooks try to disguise their faces and don't worry about the cameras, but this crook took a different approach, like a scene out of Oceans Eleven.
Despite the suspect's efforts, detectives found clear footage of the suspect outside the store, carrying several trash bags full of his loot. Detectives discovered the footage as part of the mall's security system. "The reality is; today, you can't go anywhere without leaving your image behind," Detective Avila explained.
Police have dubbed the brazen thief the "Ocean's Eleven Bandit" due to the bold nature of his crimes, including staring straight into the security camera before spray-painting over the lens. The suspect is described as being white or Middle Eastern, in his mid to late 20s, about six feet tall with a medium build.
Anyone with additional information is urged to call Detective Fernando Avila, Topanga Detective, at (818) 756-3520 or 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org.