Man posed as contractor, burglarized office cubicles in 6 buildings, Glendale police say

Police are looking for a man who they say posed as a contractor so he could access office buildings and steal valuables from employee cubicles.

The unidentified man, who police dubbed the “Office Creeper,” allegedly stole wallets, credit cards and other valuables between June 1 and Sept. 7 at six office buildings on Brand Boulevard, Central Avenue, Broadway and Colorado Street.

Similar thefts have been reported in the Los Angeles region and in Orange County, Glendale police Sgt. Tom Lorenz said.

He entered the buildings between 10:16 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. and then looked for unoccupied cubicles and offices to search for wallets and valuables, police said.

A surveillance video from an office building showed the man hiding a wallet inside his sock, according to police.

Victims’ credit cards were used at a gas station on Figueroa Street and West Vernon Avenue in Los Angeles.

He has also used the cards to purchase items at retail stores, but he quickly gets rid of them before they are reported stolen, Lorenz added.

Police believe he sticks to burglarizing a certain neighborhood for several months and then moves on to another area.

The man was described as black, 50 to 65 years old, 170 pounds to 180 pounds, with a brown mustache and glasses. The man was wearing a khaki uniform with patches with the name “Larry” and words “Hawthorne CAT.”

Any details about the man and his whereabouts was encouraged to call police Dets. Michelle Comer and Jonathan Owen at (818) 548-2097. To remain anonymous, call Glendale Crime Stoppers at (818) 507-7867.

-- Veronica Rocha, Times Community News

Follow Veronica Rocha on Google+ and Twitter: @VeronicaRochaLA