Video Captures Cash Register Theif

Madera Police are warning businesses and cashiers about a serial thief that has been caught on surveillance video stealing from cash registers.

Police say he makes a small purchase and as soon as the register is open he reaches in, running away with a handful of cash.

"We encourage businesses to be mindful of him and people like him and maybe keep their drawers behind the counter to have some distance between them and the patrons," Detective Shant Sheklanian said.

Cameras have caught the calculated thief twice. Once at a CVS Pharmacy and again at Deli Delicious in Madera. They believe he is responsible for a similar crime at a Baskin Robbins ice cream shop.

Police have identified the suspect as Joseph Lee.

"We are frustrated we cannot charge him with a more serious crime. Based on recent law changes this crime would have been a felony now with the passage of prop 47 it is now a misdemeanor," Sheklanian said.

Lee has a criminal history that includes property crimes and drug possession.

Police say the district attorney is filing charges for misdemeanor theft.