Midvale police arrest man in thefts of credit cards

Midvale police have arrested a man in connection with a string of credit card thefts in the Fort Union and Sandy areas.

Officers caught the man, 19, Thursday night with some credit cards reported stolen earlier in the week, said Midvale Police Sgt. Tony Mason. He was trying to buy women's clothes and electronic items at the Wal-Mart in the Family Center shopping plaza, 7205 S. Union Park Ave. (1250 East).Officers had notified Wal-Mart of the stolen cards. The man apparently tried to pay for merchandise with the cards, and employees notified police. He had already charged nearly $3,000 worth of merchandise on the cards at other stores, Mason said.

"Since the cards were stolen so close to the store, we figured the thief may try to buy something there," he said. "Everyone goes to Wal-Mart."

Police have two other people in custody in connection with a theft ring that investigators believe started in August. Thieves would steal mostly from unlocked cars parked outdoors or in the garages of homes.

The suspects were stealing to support drug habits, police believe.

"They would buy mostly electronic items or things that you can trade for dope," Mason said.

The man, who was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail, had stationery from the Homewood Suites hotel, 884 E. North Union Ave. (7130 South). He also had a picture of a woman in his pocket. Officers took the photo and showed it to a clerk at the hotel. The clerk recognized the woman as a guest in the hotel.

Officers entered the room and found a cache of stolen merchandise, including more credit cards, checks, cellular phones and wallets, Mason said - items people often leave in their cars.

Police also found a stolen truck behind the motel. They believe the group was using the vehicle to get around.

Officers believe the group are transients who move around and stay in motels, Mason said. The room at the Homewood Suites had been paid for with a stolen credit card.