Police Seek Aid in Identifying 'Till-Tapper'

Wauwatosa police are asking the public for help catching a "till-tapper" – a thief who pretends to be a store customer just long enough to get a cashier to open the register drawer and then grabs all the bills he can before running out the door.

The crook was caught on camera when he pulled such a job June 4 at the Walgreens store at 2275 N. Mayfair Rd. Police believe he has committed other till tap thefts, including another on Wednesday at the Walgreens at 10800 Capitol Dr.

The suspect is described as a black, 30 to 40 years old, 5-feet-8 to 6-feet tall, with a medium build, dark complexion and short black hair. In the June 4 theft, he was wearing glasses, a Detroit Tigers baseball cap, a blue T-shirt with the word "Levis" on the front, dark colored shorts, dark shoes and white socks.

The suspect walked into the Walgreens that night at about 10:30 p.m., waited until another customer checked out and walked away, then stepped to buy a pack of gum.

As soon as the cashier opened her drawer, he reached across the counter and grabbed a handful of cash. When the cashier tried to shield the drawer with her hands, he shouted "Gimme it!" and took some more, then raced out the door.

Details on Wednesday's theft were not yet available from the Police Department

Anyone who recognizes the individual or has information regarding this crime is asked to contact the Wauwatosa Police Department ~ Detective Bureau at (414) 471-8430.