State police are trying to identify the man who stole credit cards from vehicles along the Schuylkill River Trail during a March half-marathon event at the Union Township recreation complex.
The suspect used the stolen cards at Walmart, Home Depot and Best Buy stores, racking up about $5,700 in charges, before the owners discovered the theft, troopers from the Reading station said.
State police are seeking public’s help identifying man behind trailhead thefts at Union Township recreation complex then shortly afterward used the cards at big box retail stores in Wyomissing.
The victims parked their vehicles on March 8 in the lot of Union Meadows, the recreation area that includes a Schuylkill River boat launch and part of the Schuylkill River Trail, when the thefts occurred between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Many of the victims were there for the Schuylkill River Greenways’ “Spring Ahead” Half-Marathon, a fundraising event for the organization that maintains the trail.
Investigators said no force was used. The vehicles that were entered were apparently left unlocked. In one case the victim tried to hide the key outside of the vehicle.
Shortly after the thefts, the suspect arrived at nearby retail stores on an electric scooter. Video recorded by store security cameras shows the suspect walking with a slight limp in his left leg.
Troopers released images of the suspect.
Anyone who may recognize the suspect is asked to contact the investigator or Crime Alert Berks County at 877-373-9913. Tips can also be sent via text, using the keyword “alert berks,” to 847411. Crime Alert will pay a cash reward for information leading to an arrest. Refer to incident #: PA2026-298806.
Tipsters will receive a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest.