Mom caught on video having son steal dropped cell phone, cops say (WATCH)

Saddle Brook police are looking for the woman seemingly caught on video encouraging a young boy to steal.

In a video released by police, a group of three people believed to be a mother, father and son are seen walking through the front lobby area of the Hibachi Grill and Buffet on Route 46 on Sunday toward the exit. The group stops and the teen boy is directed by a woman to a bench where a cell phone is lying on the floor. The boy picks it up and then walks quickly to the door.

No one else in the lobby area noticed the boy. The host was seating a large party and leading its members toward the dining room while a man and woman standing in the middle of the lobby had their back to the bench and did not notice the boy.

A missing Samsung Galaxy 4 mini smartphone valued at $600 was later reported missing to police, according to a report in the Daily Voice of Saddle Brook.

Saddle Brook Police describe the woman as Hispanic, between ages 20 and 30, standing about 5 feet and 1 inches to 5 feet and 2 inches, wearing a black coat and dark jeans, the report said. The boy is described as between ages 11 and 13.

Police Chief Robert Kugler told the Daily Voice he was disappointed in the woman's actions.

"This isn't what a mother should do," Kugler reportedly said. "She should have told him to bring it to the counter or give it to a restaurant employee."

Saddle Brook Police ask anyone who can identify the family in the video to call 201-843-7000.