Sheriff’s Office seeks suspect in $4,000 alcohol theft in Nipomo

By Atascadero News · Mon Feb 16 2026

NIPOMO — The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public’s help in identifying a suspect connected to a theft at a local grocery store.

On Feb. 2, deputies responded to a reported theft at Vons in Nipomo, where a suspect allegedly stole approximately $4,000 worth of alcohol over the course of about an hour.

According to investigators, the suspect removed individual bottles from their boxes and concealed them under his clothing and inside a backpack before leaving the store. Authorities say the suspect returned to the store multiple times during the incident. No suspect vehicle has been identified.

The individual was described as wearing a distinctive black hooded jacket or sweater with a large white insignia on the back.

Anyone who can identify the suspect or has information related to similar incidents is encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Office at (805) 781-4500. Anonymous tips can also be provided through San Luis Obispo County Crime Stoppers at (805) 549-7867 or online at slotips.org