By JOSH FRIEDMAN

Thieves stole merchandise valued at about $6,000 from a pair of Pismo Beach outlet stores on Sunday, and police are searching for several suspects. [KSBY]

Even though the thefts both occurred Sunday afternoon and witnesses spotted getaway vehicles with seemingly matching license plates, investigators believe the crime spree consisted of two separate, unrelated incidents. 

The first theft occurred at about 2:30 p.m. at the handbag store Kate Spade. Two thieves stole 13 purses that had a combined value of $4,400, according to the Pismo Beach Police Department.

Investigators believe the thieves drove off in a Toyota Corolla. Following the theft, Pismo police issued the CHP a “be on the lookout” for a Toyota Corolla with the license plate number 6NPU5116. 

Then at about 3:40 p.m., a theft was reported at Ralph Lauren. Police say two males stole about $1,500 worth of merchandise from Ralph Lauren.

Witnesses spotted a getaway vehicle with a license plate containing “6NP,” though they did not catch a full plate number.

Anyone who has information about the thefts is asked to call Pismo Beach police at (805) 773-2208.