LA police say locker room thief stole $22,000 from Israeli team during Staples Center game

Israeli team loses $22,000 to Staples Center thief

LOS ANGELES — Police say $22,000 in cash and valuables were stolen from a visiting Israeli basketball team during an exhibition game with the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center.

Lt. Albert Gavin says somebody apparently got into the locker room Tuesday and stole watches, jewelry and $15,000 in cash from 10 members of Maccabi Electra Tel Aviv.

Gavin says the team noticed the theft during halftime of Maccabi’s 108-96 loss.

Gavin says police weren’t notified of the theft until after the game and weren’t able to get statements from the victims.

Investigators hope to identify a suspect from the arena’s security video.