Police Arrest Door-to-Door Solicitor After Wallet Theft

South Pasadena Police Department officers arrested a door-to-door solicitor Tuesday after she allegedly stole a wallet from a home on the 1000 block of Garfield Avenue.

At 5:54 p.m. Tuesday, the female solicitor was selling magazine subscriptions in the area when a resident invited her into his home while completing the paperwork for the subscription, according to a communiqué from the South Pas Police.

“Moments later and after the purchase, the homeowner realized his wallet was missing,” the communiqué said, adding: “A family member ran outside and chased the solicitor into San Marino, where he lost sight of her in the area of Los Robles Avenue, north of Mission Street.”

South Pasadena police officers searched the area and, within minutes, located the suspect while she was ducking into a store nearby. The suspect was apprehended and taken into custody.

The police department would like to remind homeowners to be cautious in inviting strangers into their homes. 

The department also wishes to make residents aware that every door-to door solicitor in South Pasadena must have in their possession a business license issued by the city. The police news statement did not specify if the female solicitor arrested Tuesday had a permit or not. Patch is waiting to hear back from the department about that.

Further, residents who are concerned about a solicitor or see something suspicious are urged to contact the police.

Anyone with information regarding Tuesday’s incident should contact South Pasadena Police at (626) 403-7270.