Brazen robber on the loose in Thousand Oaks

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (KABC) -- Thousand Oaks police are warning the public to be on the lookout for a robber who has targeted at least two women along a four-block stretch.

Authorities are hoping newly-released video of the suspect leads to his arrest, before he strikes again.

In the latest incident on Sept. 9, the suspect was caught on surveillance video sneaking up on an elderly woman in the 1800 block of East Thousand Oaks Boulevard around 4:10 p.m. He stole the woman's purse out of her hands and ran away.

Detectives believe the suspect also robbed a 17-year-old girl in a shopping center parking lot in the 2200 block of East Thousand Oaks Boulevard on Aug. 25. The suspect demanded money from the girl and then fled with an undisclosed amount of cash.

Investigators believe the crimes were committed by the same person.

"Looking at the video, it appears to be the same suspect as far as height and weight, the motive of the crime, what is being taken and the time of the day it's occurring and exactly where it's occurring is why we believe it's the same suspect," Thousand Oaks police Sgt. Jason Robarts said.

The victims were not injured, but police want to make sure people are aware of their surroundings.

"Recognize when you're loading in stuff that you purchased at a store or you're carrying a purse," Robarts said. "Know your surroundings. Know when someone is approaching you."

The suspect was described as a black male, between 18 and 25 years old, standing around 6 feet, with a slender to medium build.

Anyone with further information was urged to contact Detective Welty at (805) 494-8224 or (805) 847-8288.