'Secondary victim' aids Avon theft investigation

AVON, Ind. (WISH) - Avon police say one of the homeless people used in a string of credit card thefts is cooperating, but investigators still need more help to find those responsible for the thefts.

Police said thieves are breaking into cars in the Avon area, stealing purses and wallets and then paying homeless people to buy items - such as iPads - with the stolen cards at area retailers. The thieves may be responsible for as many as seven cases in various central Indiana communities, police said. Most of the thefts have occurred in school parking lots.

Detectives have talked with a woman who told them she agreed to make purchases with the stolen cards because she needed money for food and clothing.

The homeless woman, Tasha Wisniewski, who police said was a "secondary victim" being preyed upon by the suspect, described the suspect only as a black man. She does face preliminary charges of theft and credit card fraud, police said.

Now, officers are asking for the public's help to identify the suspect. Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers at 262-TIPS. Callers can remain anonymous, and information that leads to felony arrest may be eligible for cash reward.