On Dec. 23, 2014, a suspect stole decorative artwork from a business on Fifth Street. While part of the crime was caught on tape, Hollister Police are asking for help to identify the suspect.
Two decorative stepping stones were stolen which were partially buried in the garden in front of Calvista Insurance Company 370 Fifth St. A check of the downtown surveillance cameras revealed the suspect committing the theft. Unfortunately, the closest camera was a half-block away and the lighting conditions make identifying the suspect difficult. However, the police department is asking for the public’s help to identify the suspect.
The incident occurred at 5:58 .am. and the surveillance video captured what appears to be a woman wearing a two-tone hooded sweatshirt with dark pants and white athletic shoes. She is walking with a medium-sized dog. She appears to be of thin build and average height, according to police. The suspect is seen walking northbound on San Benito Street from South Street. She walks to Fifth Street, where she crosses San Benito Street and heads westbound on Fifth. She then walks up to the front of Calvista Insurance. The suspect then bends down and digs out the two stones and after a couple minutes takes the stones and walks away westbound on Fifth toward Monterey Street.
Although the woman’s face is not visible, it is possible that someone in the area has seen this woman and her dog before, police said. It is also possible that someone knows of a woman with this walking route which may be a routine. Police have patrolled the area on several occasions around that time of the morning but have been unsuccessful in identifying the suspect.
Anyone having information on this case is asked to call Officer Juan Guevara at 636-4330. Persons wishing to remain anonymous can call the WeTip Hotline at 800-87-CRIME. Information provided to WeTip may qualify for a reward.