Hermosa Police Identify Alleged Strand Thief

Hermosa Beach police have identified a man who they say stole from the backyards and patios of homes along the Hermosa Beach Strand in broad daylight.

The man, who was captured on surveillance video, allegedly took small personal items along with beer and alcohol from multiple homes along The Strand, said Hermosa Beach police Sgt. Robert Higgins. Police also said that all of the thefts occurred on weekdays when most of the victimized homeowners were at work.

While the individual incidents were considered petty, Higgins said that combined, the thefts amount to much more.

"It is petty but it adds up to a lot," Higgins said. "A whole bunch of stuff added together makes it bigger."

On Monday, Hermosa Beach police posted photos of the alleged thief on their Facebook page and asked for the public's help in identifying the man. According to Higgins, it didn't take long for some of the department's own officers to recognize him.

"Some of our officers were able to identify him," Higgins said. "He is a local subject familiar to the police department."

According to an update on the Facebook post, police were able to match surveillance photos to the man's previous booking photos in Los Angeles County. Police also indicated in the update that their Facebook followers helped them identify the man.

Higgins said that police detectives will soon file a case on the man but will not publicly release his name until a case is brought against him.

Anyone with information on the alleged thefts can contact the Hermosa Beach Police Department. Anonymous tips for this case or any case can be left by email at detectives@hermosapolice.org or phoned in at (310) 318-0341.