CPD is looking for a suspect who committed one theft to aid in another.

Police say 32-year-old Joshua Goins is working quite the criminal scheme throughout the city of Chattanooga.

"He is primarily focusing on businesses and residences in the East Lake and Highland Park area," said Sgt. Victor Miller.

He is apparently also hitting the Southside. First, investigators say, he steals a vehicle.

"Most of those are rental vehicles such as a U-Haul," explained Miller. "He's taking those vehicles and going to businesses and also to residences that may be under construction or renovation, stealing items from these businesses and residences, and likely he's reselling those."

That might make him easy to spot, now that you know what to look for. A rental truck at a construction site is unusual.

"As you know, most contractors are going to have their own vehicles and signage on there," Miller continued. "So, if you see a rental vehicle such as Ryder, U-Haul.. something like that looks out of place in your neighborhood.. a vehicle that's at that location where it's under construction, call in." 

Or, maybe you have a more personal connection to Joshua Goins. Did you know he has a habit of theft, vandalism, and evading arrest? He could eventually put you in a difficult position.

"We don't have any information that he's violent or dangerous, that he's armed," Sgt. Miller reassured. "He does have a long criminal history for acts of burglary." 

We have up to $1,000 available for your good tip.

"Maybe he's in a hotel. Maybe he's with friends or family. Maybe he's sleeping on your couch and you no longer want him there," Miller said. "Call in to Crime Stoppers. He'll never know that you called." 

That is because you will be given a case number and we will never ask for your name. If you know Joshua Goins or have seen an out-of-place rental truck in your neighborhood, call our Crime Stoppers 24-hour hotline: 698-3333.