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Area businesses are being put on heightened alert after police say a man has walked into several high profile companies and stolen credit cards. Detectives say the thefts began in late May and occurred during normal business hours.

They say the main suspect has handed off the stolen plastic to three accomplices who have been seen ringing up thousands of dollars worth of purchases at retail stores. As Local 12 Reporter Larry Davis tells us, you will be surprised to hear the names of some of the companies and how they were victimized.

"It takes a lot of guts for somebody to walk into a business and do that." Surveillance video shows one of the suspects walking through the lobby of the Dixie Terminal building in downtown Cincinnati. Police say the man entered several businesses and stole credit cards from offices. He did the same thing just up Vine Street at the Kroger building. Mason Detective Troy Nelson says, "We have one gentleman that is walking into the businesses dressed in business casual, has a lanyard around his neck with som
e type of identification card on it, carrying like a portfolio type folder and just walks into the businesses." 

And police say in one case, the suspect piggy-backed behind an employee and followed them right into the office after they swiped their security card. Surprisingly, two of the businesses targeted were the Cintas corporate offices and this Procter and Gamble complex, both in Mason. 

Police say the suspect not only gained entry into these secure buildings, but spent up to an hour inside going through offices and work stations, mainly during lunch time, helping himself to corporate and personal credit cards. "It just shows that it can happen anywhere, your smaller businesses, larger businesses, it just depends the alertness of your staff at that point in time." 

Surveillance pictures show the man has at least three accomplices. They are seen leaving retail stores having used the credit cards to buy electronics and gift cards. They have been spotted in two vehicles, including a 2003 Cadillacs Deville and this blue Mercury Marquis. 

Police say businesses need to make their receptionists and security staff more aware of who is entering the building. "If somebody in the business doesn't look like they belong, have somebody stop them and say hey what are you doing here can I help you, things along those lines and that will maybe get the person to leave the building at that point in time." 

Police say in addition to the offices in downtown Cincinnati and Mason, a Madisonville office building was also targeted. Detectives say credit card purchases have been tracked from Cincinnati to the Jeffersonville outlets and into Columbus, where it's believed the suspects live. 

If you have any information that can help police, call Crimestoppers at 352-3040. 

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http://www.local12.com/news/local/story/Crooks-Walking-Into-Big-Offices-Stealing-Credit/nk3jlomdxkWzr_w0Jpu1Tg.cspx


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