The Irvine Police Department is on the hunt for a suspect who attempted to cash a stolen check after pilfering a man's backpack, containing not only the check but also valuable jewelry from an unlocked vehicle in Woodbury on May 1. The theft, causing headaches for the victim who intended to appraise his jewelry that very day, was announced on the department's #WantedWednesday bulletin.

Officials said the incident unfolded when the victim left his backpack, unintentionally unguarded in his vehicle, which turned into an easy mark for the thief. While the failed attempt to cash the stolen check can be seen as a small victory, the whereabouts of the stolen jewelry remain unknown. In a video released on Facebook by the Irvine PD, the suspect appears nonchalant as he tried, and failed to turn fraudulent checks into quick cash.

Police are now asking for the public's help in identifying the man seen in the footage. A crucial tidbit comes from the victim himself, who fortuitously held photographs of the jewelry, no doubt aiding in the potential recovery and identification of the missing valuables. The Irvine Police have spread the word near and far, in hopes that someone will recognize either the suspect or come across the stolen goods.

Anyone with information is being urged to reach out and contact Detective Sampson of the Irvine PD directly at [email protected]. The department has not disclosed the value of the stolen jewelry, nor have they suggested whether this incident is linked to a wider spree or is an isolated event.