A Manhattan man was arrested in connection with a string of credit card thefts targeting distracted shoppers in Nassau County, after one of his victims reported his license plate number, according to Nassau police.
Police say on Oct. 24, three women, ages 54, 58 and 84, were shopping separately at King Kullen, Stop and Shop and Pathmark on Hempstead Turnpike in Levittown, when they were approached by a man who requested help in finding an item in the aisle.
While the victims were looking for the item, the man removed their wallets from their purses and later used their credit cards at nearby stores. One victim realized what had happened to her, tried to confront the man and was able to obtain his license plate number.
After an investigation, 51-year-old Charles Van Cleave, of Manhattan was arrested at his apartment and charged with Grand Larceny, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, and Identity Theft.
Police say Van Cleave may have committed other similar crimes in the area, and the victims may not have realized it. On Nov. 9, an 81-year-old woman was notified by Target Stores that suspicious charges were made on her credit card at the store located at the Broadway Mall in Hicksville. These charges were also connected to Van Cleave. Police request anyone who might have been victimized in a similar incident to call their local precinct.
Ray,
This may send Jon and his other personalities over the edge. They are already distraught over Oprah leaving television.
Hey Jon…Here’s a guy you can pray for. He only picks on middle age or elderly woman and he causes them no physical harm. He just steals from them.