Nail salon thieves steal Christmas bonuses, credit cards

JERSEY VILLAGE, TX (KTRK) -- A Houston nail salon owner released surveillance video of a Grinch who stole hundreds of dollars in cash from her wallet and customers' credit cards too.

"We was busy that time," said Lehang Le. "They walked in, so I asked them what can we do for you?"

Surveillance video from inside the nail salon shows two women entering the front of the store Wednesday morning. Le said one of the women started asking her questions and kept her and her staff distracted.

"At first she wants a Shellac nail," said Le. "Then she wants to change color on the toe."

All the while, the other thief went to the back of the salon to use the restroom. Now out of sight of the cameras, the woman went to a back room and took Le's wallet which contained $800 in cash and several credit cards.

"It's Christmas Eve. How could you do that? People work hard for their money," said Cecilia Le.

The thief is then seen going back to the front of the salon, where a customer left her purse. With a quick move, the thief dipped her hand into the customer's purse and took a wallet. The customer and staff was just feet away. They knew nothing.

"Next thing you know, Chase is calling to verify a $1,400 purchase," said Le.

Le said her credit card was used for another $700 purchase at Macy's. She said her customer had a $1,200 charge as well.

"I feel really bad. I'm upset. Really really upset," said Le.

Le said the worst part is that her employees won't have a paycheck for Christmas. She said she will eventually pay them all, but just not now.

He said the female thieves also took her Lexus car key. That will take hundreds of dollars to replace as well.

If you recognize the two women in the surveillance video, you're asked to contact police immediately.