Atlanta Police: Thief targets small business workers

Thief targets small business workers - Atlanta Police are searching for a thief targeting employees' belongings in small businesses near Atlanta's BeltLine.

Police showed FOX 5 Atlanta surveillance video of a thief sneaking into a back room at the popular showroom Paris on Ponce, and stealing an employee's purse.

"If the place is busy-- the employees are on the floor working. The chance of him getting caught is slim to none," said Investigator Jamir Denson.

Paris on Ponce employee Magen Small said she was busy working on an event when a man who had visited the store before, entered inside and stole her purse.

"It's unsettling to know my things aren’t safe in my workplace," Small said.

Police said there are up to five other incidents that could be tied to the man in the surveillance video. Authorities believe the man is using the Beltline to walk to local businesses. 

Police said another purse theft in Little Five Points may be tied to the suspect, and police recently released surveillance video surrounding that theft. 

Staff at Little Five Points bar The Porter said their bar was busy when a man went into a back room and stole an employee's purse. 

"He was in and out in 30 seconds," said manager Jeff Cox.

Police advise workers to lock up and hide their belongings, and make sure backroom access is difficult for strangers.

Anyone with any information on these cases is asked to call Atlanta Police or Crime Stoppers. Callers can remain anonymous and receive a reward up to $2,000.