A Bed-Stuy salon owner says someone stole $1,000 out of her purse at work Tuesday.

Maria Altomonte says she hopes surveillance video will help catch the thief.

Altomonte says she was in the back of the shop eating when a person who she believed was a new customer entered and asked about pricing.

As they spoke, the newcomer sat near Altomonte's purse and quietly snatched the money, she says.

The victim says she didn't notice the theft until later.

"It makes me feel real hurt, because I've been here for 12 years," she says. "I have a close relationship with my clients, and I feel safe here. Now I don't feel that security anymore because of what this new person did."

Anyone with information on the thief is asked to call police.