'Baby stroller bandits' wanted for victimizing shopping moms

Two women dubbed the "baby stroller bandits" have been identified as professional pickpockets suspected of lifting wallets from mothers shopping in downtown Los Angeles.

Bertha Dona Vargas, 55, of West Covina, and Norma Lizette Reyes, 51, of Silver Lake, are believed to have struck half a dozen times since late April around 5th and Los Angeles streets and to the north in the Fashion District.

On Wednesday, police served search warrants at both their residences, but the women were not home.

The suspects were identified by tips that poured in after police released images of the women. The women are believed to be professional pickpockets and thieves.

The women act as a team with one distracting and blocking the victim's view while the other quickly lifts wallets out of purses that have been placed in baby strollers.

Police released an image from surveillance video showing two women looking at a mother with a 23-month-old toddler in a stroller. One woman makes an unsuccessful try to get a wallet out of the woman's purse, which is hanging off the stroller. A few minutes later, the suspect tries again as her accomplice blocks the victim's view.

If you or someone you know is facing robbery charges, the best thing to do is hire a criminal defense lawyer. Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney Robert Helfend has over 20 years of experience and may be your best chance at a favorable outcome. Contact his law office today to review your case.