It happened Monday at 12:45 p.m. at the Café Brodo at 31 South 18th Street.
Police say surveillance video shows a middle aged balding African American man entering the cafe. While apparently waiting for someone to help him, the man is seen spotting a book bag on one of the seats, circling around once, picking up the bag and leaving the café.
According the café manager, the book bag contained a laptop computer worth about $3,000 and containing valuable business information.
The manager tells Action News the Café Brodo has not yet officially opened to the public. A grand opening is expected next week.
Anyone with information about the crime, or who recognizes the man seen in the surveillance video, is asked to call Philadelphia Police Detectives at 215-686-3093.
