Sentinel staff report–
High resolution security video may help nab a woman accused of stealing a tip box filled with cash from a Citrus Heights restaurant on Monday.
The incident occurred on Jan. 20, at Antojitos Locos, a newer eatery offering Hispanic sweets and snacks that opened in 2017 at the corner of Sunrise Boulevard and Antelope Road. Owner Tiffany Martinez shared the video on social media along with the caption, “Make this girl famous, she is a thief she stole our tip box.” The video quickly received over 5,000 views after being shared by others on Facebook.
The video shows a woman in a black jacket and blue hoodie put money into a green tip box on a counter, but then place the tip box into her purse. She then begins to walk out of the store, but turns around to walk back inside and then walks again off the screen.
“She was gonna leave, but she had ordered a mocha, so she came back and was pacing,” Martinez said. After being handed her mocha, Martinez said the woman told her “oh, you look so pretty,” and then left. The tip box was noticed to be missing several minutes later, which is when Martinez reviewed security footage.
From 2017: New Citrus Heights eatery offers Mexican snacks menu
Due to the box only holding an estimated $30, she didn’t feel like it was a crime to call police about. But she decided to post the video on Facebook shortly after the incident occurred, and an officer later came to her shop to take a report.
Citrus Heights Police Lt. David Gutierrez told The Sentinel on Friday that an officer had seen the video posted on Facebook, which prompted the visit to Martinez’s shop. He said the theft is still under investigation and police are seeking to identify the woman in the video.
“Although this crime is a misdemeanor, it is important to us and we encourage victims to always contact us when the crime occurs,” Gutierrez said. “At this time, we do not know whether or not this suspect is responsible for other crimes.”
Sentinel Coupon: Get 20% off your order at Antojitos Locos
The lieutenant said business owners are strongly encouraged to have video surveillance, which he said is “extremely helpful to police investigations.” He also said businesses are recommended to always have a staff member near the cash register and to not leave money in the open.
“Suspects are a lot less likely to commit a crime of opportunity if there is someone present,” said Gutierrez.
He said anyone recognizing the woman in the video from the Antojitos Locos incident can call the police department’s non-emergency line at (916) 727-5500 and reference case #CH19-00595. The full video can be watched below.
