Man accused of car breakins in Elyria garage

An Elyria man was accused of breaking into cars in a hospital garage and trying to use credit cards at businesses.

Elyria police arrested a man they say is behind multiple car thefts at the University Hospitals Elyria parking garage.

Steven F. Cicone, 47, of Elyria, was charged with two counts of theft, a fifthdegree felony, and misuse of a credit card, a fifth-degree felony, after he was caught by officers at 1:30 p.m. June 11 at the parking garage, 630 River St., according to Elyria police Capt. Chris Costantino.

“Right around June 2, we starting getting complaints of people parked in and around the UH parking garage getting items stolen from their vehicles,” Costantino said.

Police then received a call June 3 that a thin white man attempted to use two credit cards that weren’t his at Walgreens, 100 Cleveland St., he said.

“The lady working the register at 5:30 a.m. said Cicone tried to purchase $300 worth of gift cards with one card and it was declined,” Costantino said. “He then tried to use a card that belonged to a woman and the employees said she wouldn’t accept the card.

“The man threw the card down and left the scene. We were able to contact the owner of the card and get the situation under control.”

Costantino said the Police Department continued to get reports of car thefts June 6, June 8 and June 9 from the UH Elyria parking garage.

“They all involve someone taking wallets, cash, IDs and anything he could get his hands on,” he said. “Fortunately, in two cases Cicone, was caught on tape and detectives went to the hospital to check the tapes. Police saw Cicone in the garage while they were about to leave and arrested him at 1:30 p.m.”

Costantino said Cicone could face more charges.

“We’re still looking into it and this could have happened more than the four to five times Cicone admitted to,” he said. “This should serve as a reminder to make sure to lock your doors.”

Cicone