SLO Police Seek Public Help After Suspect Uses Stolen Credit Card to Make $5,000 Purchase at Apple

San Luis Obispo police are searching for a person suspected of using a stolen credit card to make purchases at local retail stores.

According to a Facebook post by the San Luis Obispo Police Department, the incident occurred on October 24, 2025. Police said the suspect used a stolen credit card to purchase more than $5,000 worth of products from an Apple Store.

Police said the suspect later attempted an additional purchase at Lululemon.

The department shared an image of the suspect on its official page. In the photo, the individual is wearing a brown hoodie, brown sweatpants, black sneakers, and a cap.

The suspect also had a large tattoo on the left side of his neck.

Police are continuing to investigate and are asking anyone with information to help identify the suspect and contact authorities.

Previous Theft Cases

The case follows other recent theft-related incidents in San Luis Obispo County. On November 4, 2025, the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office arrested two Los Angeles men in connection with pharmacy burglaries in Nipomo and Templeton.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a burglary in progress on West Tefft Street in Nipomo, where one suspect was arrested after a brief foot pursuit. A second suspect was later taken into custody during a traffic stop. Both suspects were booked on charges of burglary and conspiracy.

In a separate case earlier this year, San Luis Obispo police released an image of a suspect accused of attempting a theft at the Madonna Inn boutique, located off Highway 101.

In August, the SLO police department released an image of the suspect in a theft case. The suspect was allegedly involved in a theft at the Madonna Inn boutique located off Highway 101, as reported by Edhat on August 7, 2025.

Overall Theft Incidents in SLO County

According to the SLO Community Crime Map, the county recorded 46 theft cases in the past 30 days, including vehicle thefts, burglaries, and auto burglaries.

Crime data shows that San Luis Obispo reports approximately 35 crimes per 1,000 residents, encompassing both violent and property offenses.

According to NeighborhoodScout, more than 91% of California cities report lower overall crime rates than San Luis Obispo. The majority of reported incidents involve property crimes, including burglary and motor vehicle theft, based on FBI crime data.

Law enforcement agencies recommend taking basic precautions to reduce the risk of theft, such as avoiding leaving valuables unattended, using secure locks when necessary, and keeping records of electronic devices, including serial numbers and photos.