Rohnert Park police seek salon theft suspects

Rohnert Park police believe they’ve caught a thief with his hand in the proverbial cookie jar. They just need to know who he is.

Detectives released clear photos of two men they think stole money from a tanning salon on Sunday. One photo shows a suspect with his hand in the salon’s cash register.

Sgt. Jeff Justice said the theft happened at an unnamed salon on East Cotati Avenue. A man in a black jacket distracted an employee while another in a yellow shirt opened the register and stole money, Justice said.

Photos show both men. In one, the suspect wearing the yellow T-shirt, who also has on a light-colored baseball hat, is reaching into the register and appears to be grabbing bills. Both suspects then left the business. The amount of the loss was not disclosed.

A Sebastopol plant store owner said the same thief took money from his register Nov. 22.

Damon Collingsworth of California Carnivores said his surveillance camera captured photos of the man walking around his property before the store opened.

The man broke in and took $100 to $200 in small bills that were left in the till, he said. He reported the theft to sheriff’s deputies and turned over pictures.

“He’s that guy, for sure,” Collingsworth said. “He’s got the same hat.”

Anyone who recognizes the men or has information about the crimes is asked to call Rohnert Park police at 707-584-2630.

You can reach Staff Writer Paul Payne at 568-5312 or paul.payne@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @ppayne.