Elderly 'office creeper' allegedly strikes again in daylight burglary

TORRANCE, CA -- An 86-year-old woman known as an "office creeper" burglar has allegedly struck again in Torrance.

Police are looking for Doris Thompson, a woman who has been in and out of prison for 60 years.

Investigators say Thompson, who also goes by Doris Gamble and other aliases, walks into office buildings in broad daylight, goes though unattended personal belongings and makes off with cash and credit cards.

In her latest alleged caper, she was caught on camera going through a medical office building - a site that the building owner says has been targeted by Thompson three times.

She is seen on video going through a woman's bag, taking her credit cards and driver's license and then going through the rest of the building, visiting 10 floors in a day.

Tormed office building owner David Buxton said he's had to install an elaborate security system because of Thompson.

"The end result is we have security cameras now and we spend about $100,000 to protect our tenants and their property here," Buxton said.

Thompson's latest release from prison was expedited by state legislation, AB47, which allows shorter terms for non-serious crimes.

Thompson is a convicted burglar and forger but was once arrested for murder. She was found incompetent for trial.

Police said that Thompson uses the public bus system and stays in low-cost motels. She uses a cane, but apparently as a prop because she is seen entering a building with one and leaving without it.

Torrance police asked anyone with information to call them at (310)328-3456.