Alleged antiques thief in Southern California makes off with sculpture

Police in Seal Beach are asking for the public’s help in identifying and locating an alleged antiques thief, authorities announced Tuesday.

The July 20 incident, according to the Seal Beach Police Department, occurred at Alamitos Antiques, located at 211 Main Street, and was captured on the store’s surveillance cameras.

The female suspect reportedly stole an $800 version of a neoclassical statue entitled “The Three Graces.”

“Someone may want to let our suspect know that she’s featured on this page and after I post this, she’ll be featured on our Instagram page,” Seal Beach PD said in a post to Facebook.

In that Facebook post, police also pointed out that their social media accounts have some 50,000 followers and that if the woman lives in the area, someone is likely to recognize her and contact authorities.

“I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t want to be featured on a page like this,” the post continued. “Posts like this get shared, re-shared and re-shared some more. Gotta love social media, right?”

Anyone who recognizes the suspect was encouraged to contact Seal Beach PD Det. Jacob Otto at 562-799-4100 ext. 1109.

The department’s post to Facebook did not stop there, however.

“If you know this person and don’t want to call us – tell her to return the sculpture to Alamitos Antiques. An apology may also be a good idea,” the post reads. “If you have her phone number, send her a screenshot of herself with the caption, ‘OMG! Is that you on Seal Beach PD’s page?’”

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