Thousand Oaks Police Department Seeks Help in Theft of Rolex Watch on March 22

Thousand Oaks Police Department Media Release Dated April 6, 2010

Nature of Incident: Investigators seeking public's help in theft of jewelry.

Location: Ben Bridge Jewelers at The Oaks Mall, Thousand Oaks

Date & Time: Monday, March 22nd at 4:37 p.m.

Narrative: The thief knew exactly what he was doing when he entered the Ben Bridge Jewelry store in the Oaks Mall. He sat down next to the Rolex display and waited patiently for an employee to help him. The man already wore what appeared to be a Rolex watch on his wrist.

Whem an employee offered to help him, the man asked to see a similar watch from inside the display case. The employee put the watch on a pad for the man to examine it. The man removed his own watch and placed it next to the new one. In an instant, the man was gone, along with both of the watches. The man sprinted toward the nearby exit as employees chased him.

The thief made his escape and has not been identified. Described as white male, 18 to 25 years old, 5'7" to 5'11" weighing between 150 and 180 lbs. Brown hair with a military-style haircut. Wore a bright yellow shirt with stripes, dark jeans and dark shoes.

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information leading to arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

Otherwise contact Detective Eric Buschow at 805.494.8226 or 805.947.8129 with information.