THOUSAND OAKS : Robber Succeeds on 2nd Try at Mall

Ventura County sheriff’s deputies are searching for a man who stole $120 from a clerk at Robinson’s at The Oaks Mall on Monday, five minutes after his first robbery attempt was foiled by a May Co. clerk who laughed in his face.

The Thousand Oaks Crime Stoppers program is offering $1,000 for information leading to the arrest of the man, described as being in his mid-30s, 5 feet, 10 inches, with blond hair.

May Co. clerk Elizabeth McKnight, 30, of Simi Valley told police that she was standing at her cash register when the man shoved a hard object in her back and told her “to give him all the money,” authorities said. McKnight said she thought that it was a joke and laughed at the man, who then fled.

Minutes later, Robinson’s clerk Vina Libao, 23, of Oxnard felt a hard object pressed in her back and complied with the man’s demands. He fled with $120.

Authorities said efforts by the sheriff’s air unit and patrol officers failed to find the suspect. Callers to the Crime Stoppers at 494-TALK or 656-1500 may remain anonymous.