Police Seek Public’s Help in $3,000 Alexandria Bay Theft
Investigators say stolen credit cards were used to purchase more than $3,000 in gift cards at an Alexandria Bay pharmacy.
New York State Police are asking for the public’s help with an Alexandria Bay grand larceny investigation involving credit cards reportedly stolen from a vehicle and later used to purchase more than $3,000 in gift cards.
Police are attempting to identify an individual shown in a surveillance image released as part of the investigation. Authorities have not identified the person or announced an arrest.
What State Police say happened
According to a New York State Police news release, the investigation began after credit cards were reported stolen following a larceny from a vehicle on Wellesley Island.
Police said the stolen cards were later used at Kinney Drugs, located at 21 State Route 12 in the village of Alexandria Bay. The alleged purchases took place on July 10, 2026.
Investigators reported that the cards were used to purchase more than $3,000 worth of gift cards.
“The New York State Police in Alexandria Bay are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the individual pictured in connection with an ongoing Grand Larceny investigation,” the agency said.
The State Police release did not disclose:
- The number or type of credit cards reportedly stolen
- Where on Wellesley Island the vehicle was located
- Whether the vehicle showed signs of forced entry
- The exact value or types of gift cards purchased
- Whether investigators are searching for any additional individuals
Because the investigation remains active, those details may not yet be available publicly.
Police release surveillance image
State Police included a surveillance image with their public appeal. Investigators are asking anyone who recognizes the individual, or who has other information about the alleged transactions, to contact them.
A surveillance image alone does not establish guilt. The person shown has not been publicly charged, and police are seeking information that could help them determine what occurred.
Readers should send information directly to investigators rather than identifying or confronting someone themselves. Photographs can be unclear, and speculation on social media can wrongly implicate an innocent person.
How to submit information
Anyone with information about the Alexandria Bay grand larceny investigation should contact New York State Police at:
- Telephone: 315-366-6000
- Email: crimetip@troopers.ny.gov
- Case number: NY2600858627
Providing the case number can help State Police direct the information to the appropriate investigators.
The State Police crime-tip page says information submitted through its Crime Watch email is treated as confidential.
People offering tips should provide only information they personally know or observed. Helpful details could include:
- The person’s possible identity
- A vehicle description or license plate number
- The time or location of a related sighting
- Information about the stolen cards
- Knowledge of attempts to sell or exchange the gift cards
Anyone facing an immediate emergency should call 911.
Why stolen cards require a quick response
The reported incident also highlights the importance of acting quickly when a wallet, purse or payment card is missing.
The Federal Trade Commission advises consumers to report a lost or stolen card to the issuing bank or credit union as soon as possible. Customers can usually call the financial institution or use its mobile application to lock or cancel a card.
Federal protections vary depending on whether the missing card is a credit card, debit card or ATM card. The timing of a report can also affect a consumer’s financial responsibility, especially when a debit card is involved.
Consumers who discover a missing card should:
- Lock or cancel the card immediately.
- Contact the bank or card issuer.
- Review recent transactions for unauthorized activity.
- Dispute purchases they did not make.
- Change account passwords or identification numbers when necessary.
- Save copies of reports, emails and transaction records.
- Consider filing a police report if theft is suspected.
If personal identification or other sensitive records were also taken, consumers can visit IdentityTheft.gov for a personalized recovery plan.
Reducing the risk of theft from a vehicle
Police did not describe how the cards were taken from the vehicle on Wellesley Island. However, the case serves as a reminder not to leave wallets, payment cards, identification or other valuable property in an unattended vehicle.
Even when doors are locked, items visible through a window may attract unwanted attention. A glove compartment or center console may also be among the first places searched during a vehicle break-in.
Drivers can reduce their risk by:
- Taking wallets, purses and payment cards with them
- Keeping shopping bags and electronics out of sight
- Closing windows and locking every door
- Parking in a well-lit, active area when possible
- Activating transaction alerts through their bank
- Checking that they have their cards before leaving a location
These precautions cannot prevent every theft, but they can reduce opportunities and help consumers discover unauthorized activity sooner.
Investigation remains ongoing
As of the State Police announcement, no arrest had been reported in connection with the Alexandria Bay grand larceny investigation. The individual shown in the surveillance image has not been publicly identified.
Police have described the matter as an ongoing investigation. All allegations must be proven in court, and anyone charged would be presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Community assistance can be valuable when it is accurate and responsibly provided. Anyone who recognizes the individual or has direct information about the stolen cards and gift-card purchases should contact State Police at 315-366-6000 and reference Case No. NY2600858627.
