After-Christmas Shopping Spree Turns to Robbery, Caught on Tape

Los Angeles: Los Angeles police are asking the public’s help in identifying a man and a woman who made off with hundreds of dollars in cosmetics from the Robinson’s May in downtown Los Angeles around noon on the day after Christmas, last year.

The woman was caught on tape inside the Robinson’s May, helping herself to expensive cosmetics boxes. Security guards followed her outside and detained her. The woman can be seen on the video smiling despite being caught. But before security could handcuff her, an apparent male accomplice pointed a gun at the security guards and rescued the woman away. In the tape, the man can be seen reminding the woman to retrieve the stolen merchandise before they leave.

"Don’t be fooled into thinking this isn’t serious," said LAPD spokesperson Lieutenant Paul Vernon. "This shoplifting turned into an armed robbery, and the suspects’ actions on the video clearly show their intent and planning. Anyone who knows these suspects will be able to recognize them from the video."

The woman was described as Hispanic, with her hair in a bun. She was wearing red sweat pants and a hooded black jacket. She was about 5 feet 5 inches tall and 20 to 25 years old. Her accomplice was also Hispanic. He wore a gray beanie and a large winter jacket. He was riding a bicycle and carrying a semi-automatic handgun. The man was 5 feet 8 inches tall and 25 to 30 years old.

The value of the cosmetics stolen was $520.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Cora Handayan at 213-972-1245. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

Surveillance footage is available to the media upon request on VHS, or outlets can record the footage off a monitor at the Media Relations office, room 626.