Los Angeles police are investigating a brazen daytime theft in which two men stole an ATM in broad daylight. The incident took place on Thursday near the intersection of Olympic Boulevard and Santee Street, right outside a local business called MariGold Dresses.
According to authorities, a security camera captured the moment when a white SUV, driven by a masked individual, pulled onto the sidewalk. The masked passenger then exited the vehicle and took the ATM, all while customers were present in the store. The shop owner, Zoila Barrales, recounted how her employees quickly ushered customers, including a family with a young girl, into fitting rooms for safety.
Video footage showed a man dressed in black entering the store shortly after the SUV backed up to it before returning to the vehicle and driving away. The police have described the incident as particularly alarming, especially given the recent unrest in downtown Los Angeles, which has heightened public concern about safety in the area.
Detectives are appealing to the public for help. They are looking for anyone who might have cellphone or surveillance video of the theft. The LAPD has urged anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing the importance of community assistance in identifying the suspects.
This incident is part of a troubling trend of thefts and vandalism in downtown Los Angeles, which have raised fears among local business owners and residents. Barrales expressed her concerns, noting that the ongoing issues have only added to the anxiety felt by people in the community.