Berkeley police seek suspect in tip jar thefts

BERKELEY, Calif.

The suspect entered local businesses and stole tip jars and customers' property, according to police.

On Sept. 13 at about 6:15 p.m., a laptop was stolen from a business in the 1500 block of Shattuck Avenue. A tip jar was stolen on Oct. 5 at about 8:40 p.m. from a business in the 1800 block of Euclid Avenue and a second tip jar was stolen on Oct. 6 at about 4:15 p.m., also in the 1800 block of Euclid Avenue, police said.

Surveillance video captured images of the suspect, who is described as a black man between 35 and 40 years old, standing between 5 feet 7 inches and 5 feet 10 inches tall.

He is believed to weigh between 180 and 190 pounds, has a dark complexion, black hair pulled back into a ponytail with a receding hairline and was wearing dark frame glasses at the time of the thefts, police said.

Berkeley police are reminding citizens not to leave property unattended and are urging the public to be on the lookout for the suspect.

Anyone who sees the suspect should call Berkeley police to report his location. Anyone with knowledge of the suspect's identity or of the crimes should call (510) 981-5737 or (510) 981-5900. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can call Bay Area Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

Copyright © 2024 KGO-TV. All Rights Reserved.