Police search for eyewear thief

CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. (WSVN) -- A store owner is hoping the watchful eye of a surveillance camera might help police catch the culprit responsible for robbing an eyewear shop.

A woman walked into Eagle Eyecare in Coral Springs, but her eyesight seemed to be just fine because she spotted exactly what she wanted in the high-end section of the store.

"She grabs another one," said Michael Silverman, the store's owner, "puts it right down her pants, tucks her shirt right over with a nice thick sweater." The sweater may have covered the eyeglasses and sunglasses that she shoved down her pants, but it couldn't cover her face.

"The suspect came in," said Silverman, "and pretended to be interested in a frame and what kind of insurance we took."

She struck up a conversation with the owner of the store who made small talk with the woman while and she tried on several pairs of glasses. She continued to try them on until the owner left. "She takes frames," said Silverman, "and she puts them in her pants. She lifts up the front of her shirt just a little bit and shoves them down her pants and then tucks the shirt right over. She does this about five times."

After the little shove down motion, she was quite savvy in hiding her crime. She re-arranged the glasses on the wall to make it look like none were missing. The woman took five designer sunglasses and regular economic frames worth a total of $1,300. "She's experienced," said Silverman. "Only experienced people who steal frames do this."

The owners of Eagle Eyecare plan to prosecute the woman once she is caught. They are trying to spread awareness to other optical stores in the area by handing them flyers.

It is believed the woman lives in the Coral Springs area because they have seen her before.

If you recognize this woman, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward.

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