Authorities in California are asking for the public’s help in identifying a man they say was recently caught on surveillance camera committing theft at a retailer in Keyes. Police believe he is responsible for a series of similar crimes throughout Stanislaus County.

According to the Modesto Bee, the man walked into a Dollar General with a young child and went on to hand her items to hide before exiting the store without paying.

According to Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Deputy Royjindar Singh, the man’s crime is clear on footage captured inside the store on 7th Street. At one point, he allegedly placed items in the girl’s pants.

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A manager reportedly caught him in the act and got the items back, but the suspect and girl had fled the scene by the time authorities arrived. The employee said the pair had left his store with hundreds of dollars of stolen merchandise over several visits in recent months.

Singh wrote in a social media post that authorities “have a parent of the year award waiting” for the suspect upon his arrest.

“Sheriff’s Deputies are trying to identify this man who has been committing thefts from a store in Keyes,” the agency wrote. “The suspect has stooped so low, that he has been using the young child to help him conceal and steal items.”

Investigators hope a tip from someone who recognizes the suspect will lead to an arrest in the case.

Those with information can contact Singh by calling 209-226-3923 or Crime Stoppers at 1-866-60-CRIME.

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[Featured image: Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department]