It's hardcore crime day Wednesday at LA Weekly. We just told you about a man who was arrested for allegedly spray painting “kitty cat” images around town. Now comes word that a Flower Mart bandit is on the loose in downtown Los Angeles.

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, a suspect is seen on security video …

” … Crawling over buckets of fresh flowers to enter a closed flower shop on June 12, 2010, in the 800 block of San Julian Street, which is in the heart of the Flower Mart. The man opens the cash register, wearing gloves, and removes cash left behind for the next day's business.”

Frightening.

Authorities believe the man has hit five businesses in the Fashion District and Flower Mart area — both are in and around Skid Row — since the beginning of the month. He's described as black, in his late 40s, with a receding hairline and a bald spot.

“It's not often we can tie one burglar to so many crimes,” said LAPD Lt. Vernon. “But the video and MO are quite distinct. If the public can help us catch him, we should be to clear quite a number of cases and put him away for awhile.”

Anyone with information about the suspect was asked to call Det. Mike Mazzacano at 213-972-1231

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.