Wrong Career Choice

Hope they disinfect stuff that's recovered
(Examiner photo)

It's almost a relief to take a break from all the horrific violence in the news to read about a one-man Bay Area (nonviolent) crime wave [bold added]:

A “smooth-talking” thief has reportedly been posing as a customer at various businesses across the region and distracting employees in order to swipe cellphones and tablets off desks.

The thefts have been going on for weeks, but their extent wasn’t realized until the South San Francisco Police Department reported to the media about five incidents there and three in Burlingame.

We shouldn't make too light of this guy, because stealing a laptop or cellphone with sensitive personal and business information can be very damaging to the victim. And "in Daly City, according to police there, he went so low as to rob an employee of an assisted living facility."

Nevertheless, one can't help but wonder at his choices.

“He goes in, engages in long conversations and tries to gain their trust,” [Det. Mike] Garcia said. “He’s a real smooth talker, and apparently looks very clean cut.”

What's he doing ripping off iPads? He could have been very successful in marketing or politics. © 2013 Stephen Yuen