Shaker Heights Police Involved in Multi-Agency Theft Investigation

Shaker Heights Police Lt. Jeff DeMuth said the department is one of several investigating frequent, at the University Hospitals Management Services Center on Warrensville Center Road.

The thefts at UH, typically involving wallets, purses and credit cards, are similar to those occurring at other facilities in Northeast Ohio. DeMuth couldn't say much about the investigation, but didn't rule out the possibility that an area contractor could be committing the thefts while on the job at multiple locations.

"We have a good suspect," he said. "It's a multi-agency investigation, all related to the same person.

"It is definitely moving in right direction."

One of the most recent reports in Shaker involved four stolen credit cards from a purse on July 31 at an employee's work station at the UH building. The worker waited until Aug. 11 to file a police report. DeMuth said the worker might not have known the cards were taken until charges were found on a statement.

DeMuth said it is unclear how if the items are stolen from work stations during quick bathroom breaks or lengthy breaks.

"Who knows how long these people are away from their desks," he said. "I'm away from my desk for an hour and a half sometimes."

The thefts at UH have been going on . The has received at six reports since then.

"Someone's roaming throughout that building," DeMuth previously told Shaker Heights Patch. "They could be working there."

Follow Shaker Heights Patch on Twitter and 'Like' us on Facebook!