Police across the Bay Area are searching for a thief who is targeting small fitness studios and Yoga centers.

The thief is suspected of stealing people's wallets while they are attending or practicing Yoga classes and using the stolen credit cards for purchases.

Fitness and Yoga centers in  Napa, Pacifica, San Jose, Pleasant Hill, Pittsburg and Walnut Creek have reported similar thefts.

Police suspect that the person behind the thefts is one.

Megan Wilson, who owns a fitness studio in Willow Glen has surveillance video of the suspect recently in her gym.

"He makes himself comfortable and when the class is about to begin he tells our staff that he feels ill," Wilson said. Then the man steps out to get fresh air and takes off two wallets with him.

"I think it's a shame," Wilson said. "It sounds like he's targeting places that are built on community and attacking people where they are vulnerable."

Walnut Creek police said that the suspect in Wilson's video appears to be Christopher Newton, who is accused of targeting small fitness studio across the Bay Area.

Walnut Creek police Sgt. Andy Brown said the suspect has a taxi waiting for him outside.

Jenn Wendell said Newton also hit her yoga studio in Walnut Creek.

"This is our sacred space and it's a sacred space for so many people," Wendell said. "So I think it's unsettling."

Witnesses said Newton talks with a feminine voice and is flamboyant. Police urge anyone with information to come forward.

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