Deputies search for man after credit card taken out of unlocked car

Police say they are looking for a man who they say tried to use a stolen credit card at two area gas stations.

The card had been taken from an unlocked card, according to Madison County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Mike Dixon.

“We’re not calling him a suspect, (he’s a) person of interest,” Dixon said of the man pictured in the department’s Facebook post.

Dixon said someone took items, including a credit card, from an unlocked car in the 4900 block of Paris in Godfrey either Monday night or Tuesday morning.

The crime serves as a reminder to lock car doors, Dixon said, saying criminals acquire guns by stealing them from unlocked cars, as well as the significant hassle owners have of dealing with stolen items. He did not specify that any weapon was taken in this crime.

Dixon said the vehicle on Paris had been left unlocked.

“Most suspects will not bust a window to get an item out of the car,” he said. “They don’t want to draw attention to themselves in the middle of the night by creating a loud bang.”

Those with information are asked to called the anonymous tip line at 296-3000 or the dispatch center at 692-4433.

This story was originally published September 5, 2018 at 3:18 PM.