The Hollister Police Department is asking for the public’s help
in identifying a thief who robbed and molested a 5-year-old child
in a local thrift store.
The Hollister Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying a thief who robbed and molested a 5-year-old child in a local thrift store.
The suspect is described as a Hispanic male possibly in his 40s, wearing a black cowboy hat, a black leather jacket and dark blue or black jeans, Hollister Police Chief Bill Pierpoint said.
Police said the incident happened Dec. 8 at the Goodwill Store on Tres Pinos Road when the suspect approached the child, who had wandered away from their parent. The suspect took jewelry from the child and fondled the youth before leaving, police said.
“When you’ve got young children who cannot protect themselves, you can’t let them out of your sight,” Pierpoint said.
He said a similar act of robbery and molestation happened before the Dec. 8 incident but was never reported to police.
Pierpoint cautioned parents to be aware – but not fearful – of their children’s whereabouts.
“The most important key to child safety is effective communication with your child,” he said. “The rising awareness of crimes against children has left many families with a real sense of fear. You and your child need to be careful and aware, but you do not need to be afraid.”
Police noted some things parents may want to discuss with their children to help prevent crimes against youths:
If children are in a public place and get separated from their parents, they should not wander around looking for them. Instead, they should go to a checkout counter, security office or the lost and found and tell the person in charge that they have lost their mom or dad.
Children should not get into a car or go anywhere with any person unless their parents told them it’s OK.
If someone follows a child on foot or in a car, stay away from him or her.
Children should not get close to any car unless accompanied by a parent or a trusted adult.
Children should never hitchhike or try to get a ride home with anyone unless their parents have said its OK to ride with that person.
Police also offered these tips for parents to consider:
Know where your children are at all times. Be familiar with their friends and daily activities.
Do not leave your children in a store expecting store personnel to supervise and care for your children, they are not trained in this role and it is not a function of their employment.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Hollister Police Detective George Ramirez or the on-duty watch commander at 636-4330.
