GARDEN CITY — With holiday shopping in full swing it’s sometimes hard to spot a thief, but one crook on Long Island took merchandise right off of the counter in front of workers.

Store surveillance video caught a man looking at jewelry at Markens Jewelers in the Roosevelt Field Mall Friday night before grabbing the items on the counter and making a run for it.

One employee chased him to an exit on the northeast side of the mall and lost him when the man jumped into a white Nissan Sentra and fled, according to police.

"He shouldn't be doing that. I don't know what situation he is going through but if you need help you should seek it not steal it," Roz Vendryes of Roosevelt said.

According to police, he fled with a ring and earrings that exceed $20,000 in value.

Police are seeking the public’s help in locating the thief. Anyone with information is asked to call Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS.