Troy Police Crime Alert

Residential and Business Crime Alert
March 18, 2005

Recent Trends

The most significant trend that has been occurring in Troy in the last several weeks is the theft of purses and wallets. The most common place that these thefts have been happening is from parked cars, however, they have been taken from office desks, employee break-rooms, health club lockers, shopping carts and baby strollers, and just about anywhere someone would leave their purse or wallet unattended. This crime can victimize you in more ways than one. You will first have the loss of, and damage to, your property: car window, identification, credit cards, and cash. You then stand a greater chance of having your identity stolen and used to destroy your credit. This can take months or years to repair. Protect yourself…follow the crime prevention tips in the next column.


If you have any information on any of the cases cited please contact the Troy Police Department.


**Severe Weather Awareness Week**

Governor Jennifer Granholm and Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson have declared the week of March 20th through March 26th as Severe Weather Awareness Week.

The 2004 severe weather season was historic across southeast Michigan. There were a record number of warnings (197), severe weather events (238) and 16 tornadoes, well above the average of 6. 87 percent of all severe weather events occurred with a warning. The average lead-time for those severe weather events was a record 23.5 minutes.

In an effort to promote tornado safety preparedness, we will be testing the Tornado Siren Warning System on Tuesday, March 22nd, 2005 at 10:30 A.M.

The purpose of this test is to raise the tornado safety awareness level of our citizens and offer schools and businesses an opportunity to test their internal disaster plans.

Oakland County also tests the Tornado Sirens on the first Saturday of every month from April to November at 1:00 P.M.

Please do not call the Police when you hear the Tornado Siren.

**Alliance Mobile Health offers FREE CPR training**

Alliance Mobile Health, the City of Troy's EMS provider, is offering a "Family and Friends" Community CPR course on Saturday, April 16, 2005 from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm at the Troy Community Center, 3179 Livernois. This is not a "professional certification" course, but they teach basic CPR techniques, which can save a life until a professional rescuer arrives. The course is free to Troy residents. If you are interested in this course, please call Justin Hooks, EMT-P, CPR Education Coordinator for Alliance Mobile Health, at 248-765-9367 and sign up. The class is limited to 30 participants.

**From the Parking Enforcement Officers**

With warmer days come home improvement projects, which frequently leads to dumpsters, unattached trailers, and building materials being left in the street in front of homes. This is not allowed under the City of Troy ordinances. Anything that does not move on its own cannot be left in the roadway. These items are considered to be road hazards and the Police Department does get complaints on them. The owner of the item can receive a citation, and the Police may impound the items to remove the hazard.
Cars may not be parked on the street with for sale signs in or on them or parked for sale in a business lot unless the vehicle owner has written permission from the business owner clearly displayed in the vehicle.

Spring Break Activities Offered in Troy

“Spring Break Troy Style” will be offered throughout the city for students/teens on break. The program offers many opportunities to participate in events/activities at discounted costs. It also provides discounts at local restaurants specifically for young people. For a complete schedule of programs, events, and participating restaurants, check the local papers. The project is co-sponsored by the Troy Police Department, Troy Community Coalition, Troy School District, Big Beaver United Methodist Church, Troy Youth Assistance, Troy Parks and Recreation, Troy Families for Safe Homes, Boys and Girls Club of Troy, Athens Safe Rides, and Troy Public Library.


Crime Prevention Tips

· Do not leave your garage door opener unsecured in your vehicle. Make it a habit to take it out of your vehicle daily especially if you do not park in your garage.

· Do not leave anything of value in your vehicle in plain view.

· Always lock your vehicle doors.

· Park your vehicle in your garage if possible. If this is not possible park your vehicle in a well-lit area and lock the doors.

· Never leave a vehicle unattended while running.

· Remove all items of value from your vehicle and secure your vehicle.

· Always keep control of all your property.

· When going to a public facility such as a hospital or fitness center, or using any community locker room, take only the essential items to minimize the loss in the event of a theft.

· Always maintain control and security of your purse, wallet and credit cards. There are people out there who look for other people who they believe will be an easy target.

· Exercise diligence when out shopping and present an aware posture.

· Keep purses and wallets close to your person and do not set them down or walk away from them.

· Do not leave any items of value unattended for any length of time. They will be stolen!

· Always maintain control of your credit cards and secure the credit card numbers.

· If you suspect that you have been the victim of credit fraud call your credit card company and have them run a query of your charges.

Residential Crime Alert
March 11, 2005

Recent Incidents

Armed Robbery

The Charter One Bank at 751 E. Big Beaver, was robbed by a black male, 20’s, 5’8, thin build, wearing a gray sweatshirt & a NY ball cap. This suspect was reported to have a silver handgun in his waistband. He was last seen driving westbound on Big Beaver in a gray 1997 or 98 Buick Park Ave. The suspect is believed to be the same person that robbed the Standard Federal Bank at Rochester and Long Lake last month.

Home Invasions

A resident on Villa Park reports that someone entered his apartment through an unlocked door wall and stole an X-box game system and 20 DVD movies. The victim saw a suspicious person walking in the area at 3:50 am. The suspect is described as a black male 6’ tall, wearing a dark colored baseball cap, navy blue jacket, dark colored pants and carrying a white bag.

A resident on Valleyview reports that someone entered the house, possibly through the garage pedestrian door and door leading into the house from the garage, both of which may have been unlocked. Foreign cash (approx. $2000), US cash and coins, (approx.$1180) were stolen.

On Forest Park, a window was broken out of a vehicle parked in the driveway. The garage door opener from the vehicle was used to enter the attached garage and a generator was stolen.

A resident on Wattles reports that when he returned home from a morning run he found the garage pedestrian door ajar and the home alarm activated. He reported a small box of sockets missing from garage. There were numerous other items of value that were not stolen. The victim stated that the garage had been locked. There were no signs of forced entry. The victim suspects that neighbors are responsible for this and other recent crimes at the home.

Automobile Break-Ins

At the Troy Marriott 200 W. Big Beaver, A 2004 Lincoln Navigator parked on the 2nd floor parking structure had the driver’s window attacked and the radio and navigation system stolen.

At the Wagon Wheel Tavern at 2950 Rochester, a 2001 Volvo V70 had the driver’s side window broken out and a laptop computer, a planner and a projector stolen. The victim observed a black pick up truck running in the lot as he was entering the business.

At New Venture Gear, 1650 Research, someone stole all four wheels and tires from a 2005 Chrysler 300C that was parked in the lot. The vehicle was found on a jack and cinder blocks.

At the Seton Co., 50 W. Big Beaver, the radio was stolen from a 2004 Jeep parked in the lot. The front passenger window was broken out.

At Premier Auto Workers, 84 Executive, someone broke out the back window of a 2002 GMC Denali and stole stereo equipment that was in boxes.

At the Embassy Suites, 850 Tower, two Dodge Durango vehicles had rear door windows broken out and the stereos stolen.

At the Troy Hilton, 5500 Crooks, Security found a 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix on blocks with the tires and wheels stolen.

At the Expo Design Center, 686 E. Big Beaver, a window was broken on a 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe and stereo equipment and cash was taken. Suspect vehicle is a late 70’s Cadillac Coupe DeVille occupied by 2 black males, last seen heading east behind the stores.

At Troy Honda,1835 Maplelawn, Someone entered a locked fenced in area and broke into a 1994 Honda. A rear passenger window was smashed and a DVD player was stolen from inside.

At the American Transmission, 3953 Rochester, 3 vehicles parked in the lot were found with the radio faceplates missing. There were no signs of forced entry and it is unknown if they were delivered that way.

Stolen Cars

At the BP Gas Station, 1980 E. Maple, a white and black 1987 GMC wrecker was stolen from the lot. The truck had been on blocks with the transmission and would have had to be towed away.

The Troy Police recovered a black Chevy Impala from a driveway on Gary Street. It had been reported stolen in Los Angeles California.

Larcenies

At the Dollar General, 2955 E Big Beaver a wallet was found in the alley behind the store. Police contacted the owner, who reported that the wallet was stolen from a vehicle in Sterling Heights on 3/2/05.

At PF Chang Restaurant, 2801 W. Big Beaver Rd., a customer hung her purse over the back of the barstool while she was seated at the bar. Someone removed her wallet from the purse.

At Lifetime Fitness, 4700 Investment Dr., someone stole a wallet from an unlocked locker. The wallet contained several credit cards and I.D.

At Pottery Barn Kids, 2800 W. Big Beaver, a wallet was stolen from inside the victim’s purse, which was left in her baby stroller. The victim stated her attention was diverted by one of her children, after which she noticed the wallet gone. Her credit card was fraudulently used shortly after the theft.

Frauds

A citizen reported losing his debit card and discovering $300.00 in unauthorized purchases. It is unknown where the card was lost.

Vandalism

On Athena, someone sprayed paint on the side a resident’s car.

Alcohol Violations

On Rochester near Villa Park, a 38-year-old female from Troy was ticketed for furnishing alcohol to a minor after officers observed her purchase alcohol for her 20-year-old female companion at a local party store. The 20-year-old female was found to have been drinking and was ticketed for MIP.



If you have any information on any of the cases cited please contact the Troy Police Department.

Business Crime Alert
March 11, 2005

Recent Incidents

Retail Frauds

Marshall Field’s, 500 W. 14 Mile in the Oakland Mall an 18 year old female from Troy was arrested after stealing $151.97 worth of merchandise.

At Marshall Field’s, 500 W. 14 Mile, three females, two 14 year olds from Sterling Heights and one 15 year old from Utica were arrested after stealing $117.00 worth of merchandise.

At JC Penney, 700 W. 14 Mile, LPO’s report a 19-year-old female employee from Madison Heights suspected of fraudulently crediting her own charge account with a customer’s return, as well as an employee discount for a purchase that was never made.

At Sears, 300 W. 14 Mile, A 40 and 50 year old male, both from Detroit, were arrested after stealing $434.00 worth of clothing. Numerous items of suspected stolen merchandise from other stores in the mall were recovered and returned.

Marshall Field’s, 500 W. 14 Mile, a 17 year old female from Oscoda and a 16 year old female from Green Bush were arrested after stealing $64.00 worth of clothing from the lingerie department.

At Frederick Meyer Jewelers, 412 W. 14 Mile, an employee reports a suspect entered the store and inquired about diamond rings. One that he asked to see removed from the case and placed on the counter. The suspect picked it up and fled. Value: $14,500.00. The suspect is described as a black male 20-23 years old, wearing a brown/tan sweat outfit, brown boots, brown winter hat, no-rim glasses, and a long silver chain w/dog tags, last scene entering a green full sized van.

At Marshall field’s, 500 W. 14 Mile, a 16 year old female from Troy was arrested after stealing $132.00 worth of merchandise. Her 15-year-old female companion, also of Troy, was in possession of a stolen shirt from another store in the mall. Management at that store was unsure about pressing charges. Her father was called and picked her up at the mall.

At Kohl’s, 500 John R, A 26 year old male from Clinton Twp. was arrested after stealing $249.87 worth of video games, DVD’s and clothing. The suspect tried to flee from LPO’s, and bit and kicked one of them when they caught up with him and tried to stop him. Troy Officers arrived on scene and arrested the suspect.

At Neiman Marcus, 2705 W. Big Beaver, a suspect fled and escaped after approached by LPO’s who observed him attempt to steal a $1975.00 leather coat and $550.00 worth of shirts. He discarded the coat while running; it was recovered. Suspect is described as a white male, 20’s, 5’7, 160. LPO’s suspect a second suspect described as a black male, 5’8, 200, may have been directing suspect’s activities via a Nextel radio.

At the 7-11 store at 2891 Crooks, a suspect concealed a bottle of beer and attempted to leave. The storeowner confronted the suspect and confiscated the property. The suspect fled in a white 1993 Mercury van, which registers out of Troy.

At the JC Penney store, 700 W. 14 Mile a 41 year old male from Detroit was arrested after stealing $425.00 worth of clothing. When LPO’s attempted to take him into custody he claimed to be armed with a pistol. He was taken into custody and no pistol was found.

At JC Penney, 700 W. 14 Mile, a 36 year old male from Highland Park arrested after stealing 4 throw pillows from a couch in the furniture department

At Radio Shack, 817 E. Big Beaver, An unknown suspect stole a DVD player that was on the sales floor playing music for the customers.

At 817 E. Big Beaver, Radio Shack, An unknown suspect(s) stole two radar detectors from a display case.

Larcenies

At the Oakland Mall, 412 W. 14 Mile, a woman sat her purse on the floor while looking at merchandise. When she turned around, her purse was gone.

At Kohl’s, 500 John R, a victim reports she discovered her cell phone missing when she got home after shopping. It was last seen lying on her coat, which was in her shopping cart while she shopped.

Frauds

At the Troy Gastroenterology clinic, 4600 Investment, they report someone accessed the company’s phone line and used it to make over $850.00 worth of unauthorized international calls to Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Saudi Arabia.

On Dakota street, a citizen reports someone forged two of his checks in the amount of $6100.00 to someone he does not know. The victim reports the checks come monthly with his credit statement and are used the same as a charge card.

At LPL Investments, 1301 W. Long Lake, an employee was contacted and advised by the telephone company that the business phone line was compromised and fraudulent long distance calls had been made to Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and India. The origin appears to be in Asia. Total: $5000.00

Breaking and Entering

Storage lockers were broken into at 1320 E. Big Beaver, (EZ Storage). Approximately 80 storage units found with locks cut off, some units open. Management is in the process of contacting unit owners to determine if or what was stolen.

At the east end of Alameda Street during nighttime hours on Someone broke into 2 construction trailers using the company’s skylift and took $6,500 in tools.

Suspicious incidents and people

At Troy Beaumont, 44201 Dequindre, gang graffiti was painted on elevators and a unisex bathroom on three separate occasions. A 17-year-old male from Shelby Township is suspected.

At the Bank One, 1050 E. Long Lake, an employee reported a customer was angry over the cancellation of his appointment by the bank’s Financial Advisor and when he exited, he pushed the door so hard the handle struck the dry wall, causing damage.

Customer Trouble, Mario’s, 1477 John R, a customer, who had caused trouble in the restaurant on a prior occasion returned and was asked to leave, but refused. Officers called and assisted management, advising the subject not to return or he would be arrested for trespassing.

Troy Beaumont, 44201 Dequindre, a 25-year-old male suspect came in for treatment claiming he broke two teeth on a jolly rancher and needed medication for pain. He was recognized as the same person who was in on 3/5 making the same claim, with the same two teeth broken. When challenged he denied being the same person, but left. On 3/5 he got a prescription for Vicodin.


Crime Prevention Tips


· It is important to always lock your doors and windows. The opportunist criminal will capitalize on any situation that presents itself.

· All exterior doors should be outfitted with a single cylinder deadbolt lock with at least a 1” bolt.

· Sliding glass door walls should have a dowel rod placed in the track and have header screws installed to keep the door from being lifted out of the track.

· Locks are only as good as their application; a lock will not do its job unless it is engaged.

· Do not leave your garage door opener unsecured in your vehicle. Make it a habit to take it out of your vehicle daily especially if you do not park in your garage.

· Do not leave anything of value in your vehicle in plain view.

· Always lock your vehicle doors.

· Park your vehicle in your garage if possible. If this is not possible park your vehicle in a well-lit area and lock the doors.

· Never leave a vehicle unattended while running.

· There is a trend of things being stolen from vehicles in the parking lots of fitness centers. While going to these places, be extra careful to remove all items of value and secure your vehicle.

· Always keep control of all your property.

· When going to a public facility such as a hospital or fitness center, or using any community locker room, take only the essential items to minimize the loss during theft.

· Always maintain control and security of your purse, wallet and credit cards. There are people out there who look for other people who they believe will be an easy target.

· Exercise diligence when out shopping and present an aware posture.

· There has been a large increase in the area of thefts of purses and wallets. Keep these items close to your person and do not set them down or walk away from them.

· Do not leave any items of value unattended for any length of time. They will be stolen!

· Always maintain control of your credit cards and secure the credit card numbers.

· If you suspect that you have been the victim of credit fraud call your credit card company and have them run a query of your charges.

· Do not buy for, furnish or consume alcohol with a person under 21 years old.

· If you are less than 21 yeas old alcohol is illegal to possess or consume.

· Alcohol is a drug and a controlled substance for anyone under 21.

· Do not drink and drive.

· The current law for operating a vehicle while impaired for someone 21 years old or older is .08% alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood.

· Any amount of alcohol is illegal for anyone under 21 years old.

· If you are under 21 do not drink! If you are over 21 and drink, do so responsibly.

· If you are confronted by a suspicious person or witness a suspicious incident don’t hesitate to call the Police. The incident may turn out to be nothing or it may lead to the arrest of a person committing a crime.

· Train employees what to look for when it comes to retail fraud. This is obviously a big problem and will require a concentrated effort on the part of all employees in the retail business.

· Train all cashier to watch out for fraudulent checks and credit cards and instruct them to report any suspicious activity to store security and their supervisor.

· Laminated glass or Plexiglas should be installed to replace regular glass. The application of security film can also be installed of your preexisting glass. This will help make the glass less likely to break during an attack and slow a criminal’s activity.

· All locks should have lock-guard placed in front of the lock to protect it from attack.

· Ensure your doors are suited for the application that they are being used for.

· Choose doors that will coincide with what you are trying to secure. All outside entry doors to a business should be Metal clad solid core doors.

· Always secure vehicle keys. Locks are only as good as the protection given to the keys.

· If an employee has access to keys as part of employment ensure that no duplicate keys are made.

· Have keys stamped “do not duplicate“ on them.

Residential Crime Alert
March 4, 2005

The Troy Police Hockey Team will play their 4th annual benefit game against the Detroit Red Wing Alumni on Friday, March 18th 2005 at 7:00 P.M. at the Troy Sports Center, 1819 E. Big Beaver (at John-R). They will be battling for the prestigious “Mulvihill Cup”, named after a Troy Police Officer who died in the line of duty. Tickets for the game are $10 each. A pre-game dinner at the Troy Elks club is $10 per person and a post game party at the Wagon Wheel tavern is $10 per person. There will be a silent auction of various items including hockey memorabilia at the game. T-shirts, sweat shirts, hats and other logo merchandise will be offered for sale as well. Proceeds will benefit the Troy Police Benevolent Fund. Contact the Troy Police at 248-524-3432 for tickets and information. Seating is limited, especially at the pre- and post-game events, so call early.

Recent Incidents

Suspicious Person / Indecent Exposure

A resident on Jackson Street reported seeing a male exposing himself outside of her window. The suspect is described as a white male 5’ 10” 170lbs, wearing a jean jacket with wool lining, dark pants and hat. He has bushy eyebrows and is possibly of middle-eastern decent. There have been other similar reports in the same area within the past few months.

Crime Prevention Tips

· If you are confronted by a suspicious person or witness a suspicious incident don’t hesitate to call the Police. The incident may turn out to be legitimate, or it may lead to the arrest of a person who has committed a crime or is capable of doing harm.

· There is a pattern of progression for sexually deviant persons. They often begin with lewd acts in public then gradually get the nerve to go to the next step. Be extremely cautious and treat any incident such as this with a sense of urgency. These acts are not normal human behavior and can lead to acts of violence.

· If you have any information on this subject please call the Troy Police.

Automobile Break-Ins

There were a total of ten (10) larcenies from automobiles this week.

Bowl One, 1639 E. 14 Mile, 2/23.
The rear driver’s window was smashed, gym bag and miscellaneous clothing stolen from rear seat of vehicle parked in the lot.

Michigan College of Beauty, 3279 Rochester, 2-24-05.
A 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier and a 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer had windows broken out and wallets removed.

Ram’s Horn, 2940 Rochester, 2/27.
The passenger side window was smashed out of a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and a Prada purse was stolen out of the vehicle.

Troy Sports Center, 1819 E. Big Beaver, 2/27.
Someone smashed the left front window of a Grand Am and stole a large duffle bag containing athletic clothing, from the trunk. Also an unlocked Ford Probe was entered and the stereo radio stolen (dash/console damaged) along with a MP3 player and portable air compressor. Both vehicles were parked in the front southwest lot.

Wagon Wheel, 2950 Rochester, 3/2.
A 2001 Volvo V70 had the driver’s side window broken out and a laptop computer, planner and projector were taken. The victim observed a black pick up running in the lot prior to entering business.

New Venture Gear, 1650 Research, 3/1/05-3/2/05.
All wheels and tires were stolen from a 2005 Chrysler 300C that was parked in the lot. The vehicle was found on a jack and cinder block.

Seton Co., 50 W. Big Beaver, 3/1-3/2.
The radio was stolen from a 2004 Jeep parked in the lot. The front passenger window was broken out.

Troy Marriott, 200 W. Big Beaver, 3/2-3/3.
A 2004 Lincoln Navigator parked on 2nd floor parking structure had the driver’s window attacked, radio/navigation system stolen.

A license plate was stolen from a car in the lot of MR. B’s at 3946 Rochester.

Crime Prevention Tips

Do not leave anything of value in your vehicle in plain view.

· Always lock your vehicle doors.

· Park your vehicle in your garage if possible. If this is not possible park your vehicle in a well-lit area and lock the doors.

· Never leave a vehicle unattended while running.

· There is a recent trend of thieves targeting vehicles in the parking lots of fitness centers and sports centers. When visiting these places, be particularly careful to remove all items of value and secure your vehicle.

Other Larcenies

A 13-year-old girl had a cell phone stolen from her belt clip by an unidentified black male as she exited from the Skate world on 2825 E Maple. The perpetrator is described as black male 5’ 6” wearing a black puffy coat.

Another purse containing credit cards was stolen from a patient’s room at Troy Beaumont hospital. Police and Beaumont Security are working together on these crimes.

A purse was stolen from a table at the Thunderbird lanes, 400 W Maple, while the complainant bowled.

A resident on Devonshire reports his Rolex watch missing from his home after he had contractors in doing some work.

A man on Elaine reported his cell phone was missing after he had some “friends” over.

A shed was broken into on Rochester Road and two Toro lawnmowers were stolen

A complainant from a business on Heide reports he left a CD case that contained over $2000 unsecured on a workbench. He claims he left the area and when he came back the case was open and the money missing.

At 300 W 14 Mile at the Avis Rent A Car, a complainant reports her purse was stolen off the counter.

Crime Prevention Tips

Always keep control of all your property. All articles of value need to be locked in cabinet away from public access.

· When going to a public facility be it a hospital or fitness center or using any community locker room, take only the essential items to minimize your loss in the event of a theft.

· Always maintain control and security of your purse, wallet and credit cards. There are criminals who look for other people who they believe will be an easy target. Exercise diligence when out in public and present an aware posture.

Frauds

An employee at the whole foods Store at 2880 W Maple used a customer’s credit card to buy food. This employee was observed by Police officers driving and she was arrested for driving while license suspended.

A resident was advised by their bank that an unknown person in Turkey made fraudulent charges against their debit card in the amount of $2187.67.

Crime Prevention Tips

Always maintain your credit cards and secure the credit card numbers.

· If you suspect that you have been the victim of credit fraud, call your credit card company and have them run a query of your charges.

Identity theft continues to be the fastest growing crime in the world, and the city of Troy is no exception. We continually get reports of identity theft and fraud on a regular basis.

While it may not be totally avoidable, detecting the early signs of identity theft is one of the best ways to avoid extensive losses and damage to your credit history.

If your wallet/purse etc. gets stolen, cancel all stolen credit and ATM cards immediately.

Checking your credit history regularly is a great way to keep appraised on the status of your credit.

Here are three sources for checking your credit history:
(The titles are links to the webpages)

Equifax
1-800-525-6282

Experian
1-888-397-3742

TransUnion
1-800-680-7289

For more information visit:

US Dept. of Justice ID theft


Vandalism / Destruction of Property

150 E. Long Lake, Childtime, 2/23.
The glass front door was shattered by unknown means.

South Blvd., 2/24. The mailbox was smashed.

Polish Market, 2938 E. Maple, 2/25.
Someone put Crazy Glue in the lock of one of the doors. The owner states that since the Grand Opening of his Hamtramck store, he has had several incidents of vandalism at both locations (tires were slashed on work trucks at both sites the day before.)

Norton, 2/25-2/26.
Someone in a pick-up with dual wheels destroyed the mailbox.

Talbot, 2/26-02/27.
Someone slashed both passenger side tires of a 99 Pontiac Montana van.

Wattles, 2/25-2/26.
Someone ran the mailbox over.

Glaser, 2/11.
The passenger side front and rear doors were keyed on a 2003 Chevy P/U while it was parked in the drive.

1401 Crooks, Delphi, 2/19-3/1/05
Construction equipment was damaged. The victim suspects a former employee.

Kirts east of Crooks, 3/1. Officers were summoned to scene of hit and run crash where the victim advised suspect who was behaving erratically had left the scene on foot. Officers located suspect in a nearby 7-11 where he had damaged the entry door and an ATM machine, and had been shouting obscenities at the clerk. The suspect attacked officers as they were approaching him. He was brought under control and transported to Royal Oak Beaumont Hospital for psychological evaluation. A search warrant for blood was obtained to determine if he was under influence of alcohol or drugs.

Vandalism, or Malicious Destruction of Property (MDOP) is a crime that increases regularly as the weather becomes warmer and as the school year comes to an end. Often, there is retaliatory vandalism by someone who was a victim, attacking those that they feel are responsible for their attack.

This is a difficult crime to solve, since it is usually sporadic in nature. When we do catch those responsible, they are charged criminally as well as ordered to pay restitution. Most often, those responsible are juveniles, and the restitution is ordered from the parents. Your homeowner’s insurance will not pay for the malicious acts of your children.

The best way to protect yourself from this crime, or from being held financially responsible for the acts of your kids, is to know where your children are, what they are doing, and whom their friends are. Kids are very tech-savvy, and use the latest means to communicate. We have had numerous cases where middle and high-school aged kids have made clandestine plans using their home computer and instant-messaging programs (AIM, Yahoo Messenger, etc.) to communicate with their friends, unbeknownst to their parents (no phones ringing in the middle of the night.) They sneak out of the house and meet up to go and commit all sorts of crimes. This is not only illegal, but it is very dangerous.

· Monitor your child’s instant messages.
· Don’t put computers with Internet access in their bedrooms.
· Lock the doors to the house and set alarms when you go to bed.
· Make a habit of checking on the kids, no matter what age, in the middle of the night, just to make sure they are where they are supposed to be. Let them know that you are checking.
· Check your vehicles for new damage or signs of being involved in vandalism -Mud on tires or wheel-wells, baseball bats with gouges or glass in them, egg cartons, knives or other sharp objects that are out of place in a car, cans of spray paint or shaving cream (yes shaving cream and eggs damage paint.)

If you suspect that your kids have been out vandalizing property, you can contact the Police Department Juvenile Unit, or Troy Youth Assistance for advice.



If you have any information on any of the cases cited please contact the Troy Police Department.


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Recent Incidents

Retail Frauds

An employee at the whole foods Store at 2880 W Maple used a customer’s credit card to buy food. This employee was observed by Police officers driving and she was arrested for driving while license suspended.

Two Females from Detroit were arrested after stealing merchandise from Kohls at 500 John R

Marshall fields at the Oakland Mall arrested a female from St Clair Shores after she stole $111.00 worth of merchandise.

Marshall fields at the Oakland Mall also had a black male steal $546 worth of clothes and attempt to return an item. When denied the return he fled the store. He is described as a black male, 5’9’’ 185 lbs wearing a black leather coat, a white striped shirt and black pants.

The Old Navy store at 1221 Coolidge reported embezzlement by two employees who are also roommates was by. The suspects were engaging in price sticker swapping and fraudulently ringing up the sales.

A 49-year-old man from Detroit was arrested after stealing two $169 Carhart jackets from the Oakland Mall Sears store.

A complainant states her father sent her two Bank One gift cards that she never received. Her father followed up and determined that the cards had already been used at the Oakland Mall.

Crime Prevention Tips

· Train employees to watch for signs of retail theft. This is obviously a big problem and will require a concentrated effort on the part of all employees in the retail community.

· Train all cashiers to be vigilant for fraudulent checks and credit cards and instruct them to report any suspicious activity to store security and their supervisor immediately.

Breaking and Entering

The Wonder Bread outlet store at 33801 Dequindre was broken into by prying open the rear service door. It is unknown at this time what was taken.

Crime prevention Tips

Laminated glass or Plexiglas should be installed to replace regular glass. The application of security film can also be installed of your preexisting glass. This will help make the glass less likely to break during an attack and deter or slow a criminal’s activity.

· All locks should have lock-guard placed in front of the lock to protect it from attack.

· Ensure your doors are suited for the application that they are being used for.

· Choose doors that will coincide with what you are trying to secure.

· All outside entry doors to a business should be Metal clad solid core doors.