Friday Blotter: Craigslist Fraud; Scammer Nabbed

Suspect nabbed in credit card theft

Christopher Harvey, 19, of the 7800 block of Lamon Avenue, was charged with credit card fraud and burglarizing a vehicle on June 1.

According to the report, Harvey allegedly removed a wallet after breaking into an auto. Shortly after, he used the owner's credit card to purchase two $25 gift cards from the 7-Eleven at 8357 Skokie Blvd., and food from the Taco Bell at 8329 Skokie Blvd. Police were able to catch up with Harvey after they spotted him trying to make a purchase at an area Walgreens.

During questioning, Harvey admitted to police that he took the credit card and signed for the gift cards.

CTA train vandalized

Police responded to a criminal damage compliant at the CTA train yard, 3701 Oakton St., on June 5 around 12 a.m. According to the report, a security officer spotted a teen wearing all black between two trains. While the suspect fled, it was later discovered that he drew an unrecognizable image with spray paint. The report further noted that the paint was “still wet to the touch.”

Library vandalism

Police responded to a criminal damage compliant at the Skokie Public Library, 5215 Oakton St., on June 7 around 2:30 p.m. According to the report, the letters “HIV” were scratched onto the side of a bathroom stall. The letters were about 18 inches in length.

Air conditioner stolen

Police responded to a theft in the 4500 block of Birchwood Avenue on June 7 around 5:30 p.m. According to the report, an air conditioning unit was stolen from a backyard about 30 minutes after the homeowner cleaned it. The loss is estimated at $200.

Random auto vandalism

A sedan had its rear window smashed by a blunt object on June 7. The owner could not identify a possible motive, according to the report, which did not provide a location for the crime.

Craigslist scam

A man came into the Skokie police station to report a scam on June 8. According to the report, he responded to a Craigslist ad about participating in a focus group “on the efficiency of prominent money transfer services, preferably at a Western Union or MoneyGram outlet.”

The man said a James Pecker sent him two checks for $925 after contacting him. He was instructed to take $350 for himself and send the rest of the money to a Murray James in Istanbul, Turkey. The victim became suspicious and brought the checks to the police department and did not cash them.

Auto theft

A car parked in the 7300 block of Linder Avenue was stolen on June 8. Police found no broken glass to indicate forced entry and the owner said he was in possession of his keys. The vehicle was valued around $22,000.