Troy Police Crime Alert

Business Crime Alert

May 13, 2005

Recent Incidents

Retail Frauds

JC Penney, 700 W. 14 Mile, 5/8, 5:30 p.m. A 29-year-old female from Emmett was arrested for stealing $95.00 worth of cologne. A search of her purse revealed 8 Darvocet pills, which she had no prescription for. She was arrested for Retail Fraud and Possession of Controlled Substance. A mechanical knife was also confiscated.

Marshall Field’s, 2750 W. Big Beaver, 5/7, 3:40 pm. LPO recognized and was able to identify the subject in the store from a current retail fraud investigation he is a suspect in. When a clerk asked him if he needed assistance, he left. Marshall Field’s, Oakland Mall LPO’s contacted Somerset shortly thereafter and reported the same suspect in their store, with two unidentified females. All three left in a silver Nissan. Shortly thereafter, the two females entered the Somerset Store, selected a white pair of “Seven for Mankind” jeans and placed them on a wall rack containing numerous other Seven for Mankind jeans. The females exited, then drove off in a black VW Passat. Shortly thereafter, the original male entered the store, went directly to the rack where the white jeans had been hung and grabbed approximately 15 pair of jeans and fled the store. He was last seen driving away in a silver Nissan. Total value: $2970.00 the vehicle registers to the suspect, who is a 32-year-old male from Detroit

Marshall Field’s, 2750 W. Big Beaver, 5/10, 5:47 p.m.

LPO’s observed a female enter the store and position 15 pair of “Seven for Mankind” jeans on the rack such that they were all facing the same direction. Approximately 5 hours later, a known retail fraud suspect entered the store, removed the jeans from the rack, and fled the store before LPO’s could catch him. He fled in a white 2 door Buick Regal. The plate comes back stolen from Eastpointe. Total stolen: $2970.00 the suspect was also responsible for the incident that occurred on 5/7 where two females set up 15 pair of jeans, which he later stole. That theft was also for $2970.00. He was driving a silver Nissan in that case.

Home Depot, 1177 Coolidge, 5/6, 11:40 a.m. LPO’s reported observing two male suspects place a drill, three nail guns, three thermostats, two drill bit sets, and a two-way radio system in a cart. They obtained a box containing a toilet, removed the toilet, placed the items in the box, and taped it up. Upon exiting, a cashier approached the subject and challenged him about the box. He tried to present a receipt, however it was from a different purchase made on a previous date. The 22-year-old male from Detroit was taken into custody. His accomplice managed to exit and fled in the arrested suspect’s vehicle. The arrested suspect stated he learned of the scheme when he met the other subject in a barbershop in possession of what appeared to be stolen merchandise. When asked where he got it, that subject told him it was easy and accompanied him to the store where he got caught today. He doesn’t know the other subject. Total stolen: $1480.99.

Kohl’s, 500 John R, 5/9, 7:30 p.m.

A 19 year old male from Clinton Twp was arrested after stealing two pair of women’s Nike shoes, total value: $129.98. Suspect reported he stole the shoes for a female to whom he owes rent.

Marshall Field’s, 500 W. 14 Mile, 5/11, 1:50 p.m. LPO’s reported suspect grabbed an undetermined amount of Pepe Jeans and Shirts and ran out of the store. He fled in a gold or tan Chevy S-10 Pick-up w/tinted windows. LPO’s report the same subject driving the same vehicle came in on 5/4 and also ran out w/merchandise. He is described as a B/M, 5-7, 165.

Kohl’s, 500 John R, 3/28

LPO’s discovered a credit account opened in victim’s name w/out authorization/permission. Two additional names were later added to the account. Transaction history indicated at least one fraudulent purchase made against the account in Troy on 3/28 for $350.60. Investigation continues.

Breaking and Enterings

Troy Party Store, 6990 John R, 5/8, 4:44 a.m.

While on patrol, officer heard an alarm and checked the building to find the side doorknob had been pried off, and the plate behind the knob had been pried away from door. No entry gained.

Suspicious Incidents

Troy Sports Center, 1819 E. Big Beaver, 5/4, 5:10 p.m.

Complainants reported that on the previous day, one of the her three year olds had sweet tarts in her hand and handed one to her other three-year-old. That child spit it out and reported it tasted like medicine. When asked, the other child stated she got the candy from a gumball machine. Complainant stated the kids go around and check the machines for candy and change. She suspects the child found the candy in one of the flaps, as the child had no money to put in the machine. The one pill that remained appears like a normal aspirin tablet. It was retained to be forwarded to crime lab for analysis.

Modernistic, 1460 Rankin, 5/8, 2:50 p.m. Officer noticed ’86 GMC van enter lot of closed business and drive behind building. It parked near a storage shed and dumpster. The driver exited and began examining some tires in the lot. Officer approached and spoke to driver, a 57 year old male from Clyde, Michigan who stated he was a scrapper and looking for discarded articles. He had some items in the vehicle, which appeared to be discarded from other sites. He is on parole for larceny. He had alcohol in the vehicle, which is a violation of probation. His Probation Officer was provided a copy of the incident. He was ticketed for driving on an expired license and released.

Counterfeit Currency, Wal-Mart, 2001 W. Maple, 5/10, Complainant reported discovering 2 counterfeit $100.00 dollar bills and 1 counterfeit $20.00 dollar bill had been passed at their store on 3/31. While sharing that information at the Target Store located at 1301 Coolidge, Troy Officer was advised 3 counterfeit $100.00 dollar bills had been passed at that store on 4/13. The LPO advised they had already reported their case to the Secret Service. When he showed the officer a photocopy of the bills passed at Target, the officer noticed the serial numbers on those bills were exactly the same as those passed at Wal-Mart. Troy PD forwarded the additional information to the Secret Service.

Alcohol and Drugs Offenses

S/B I-75 and Rochester, 5/8, 4:15 p.m. Officers responded to report of male driving ’94 Chevy Corsica was smoking marijuana and had a small child in the car. When officers located and stopped the vehicle, they could smell marijuana coming from inside. Driver admitted just smoking a marijuana cigarette. Officers confiscated half smoked cigarette, as well as one that was not yet smoked and some paraphernalia from his possession. The 48-year-old male driver from Warren was arrested. The 8-year-old male passenger was the driver’s nephew. The child’s father was called to the scene to pick up the child. The 42-year-old female passenger from Warren was arrested on several outstanding warrants from another jurisdiction.

S/B I-75 and Crooks, 5/7, 10:17 a.m. Witness reported observing Jeep Liberty driving erratically. Officers stopped it and investigation revealed the 24-year-old male driver from Clarkston was under the influence of cocaine and Ecstasy. A small amount of cocaine was recovered from suspect’s wallet. Toxicology on suspect’s blood pending.

S/B I-75 N/O Big Beaver, 5/8, 11:26 p.m. Officers stopped vehicle for speed and detected smell of marijuana coming from inside. The 20-year-old female driver from Pontiac was arrested for driving w/out a license. A marijuana cigarette was located stuck between the seat and back cushion of the front passenger seat.

East end of Badder, 5/7, 11:30 p.m. Officer observed ’91 Eagle Talon pull out from behind a closed business, then appear to take a route out of the area as if attempting to avoid detection. As officer activated emergency equipment to stop it, a small object was thrown out the window. A 16-year-old male driver from Clawson was arrested for driving on a suspended license. The 17-year-old female passenger from Clawson advised if anything was thrown from the car, it wasn’t she who threw it. A small Altoids container was recovered from the street where the officer made his observation. It contained 1.5 grams of marijuana. The driver was also charged w/possession of marijuana. Both subjects’ parents called to station where they were turned over to their custody.

Big Beaver near Livernois, 5/9, 1:35 p.m.

Officer stopped vehicle for speeding. Investigation led to discovery of 1 gram of marijuana, which belonged to the 24-year-old male driver from Houghton Lake. He was arrested. Seven grams of cocaine were discovered in the purse of a 19-year-old female passenger, along with paraphernalia. She was arrested. The other two passengers, an 18-year-old female from Houghton Lake and a 20-year-old male from St. Helen, were released at the scene.

Rochester and Torpey, 5/11, 3:42 p.m. Off-duty officer observed vehicle that was reported as a suspicious person at Costello School on 5/10 driving on Rochester near Torpey. The driver was a 26-year-old male from Detroit. He had no driver’s license and was arrested. His two passengers, a 26-year-old male from Sterling Hgts. and a 27-year-old female from Monroe, were released at the scene. A baggy of marijuana was recovered on the driver’s seat. Investigation revealed information indicating that the driver had purchased the marijuana earlier in the day at a location in another city. He was charged with possession of marijuana, in addition to driving without a license in his possession. He advised officers he was in the vicinity of the school the day before, explaining he was in the subdivision passing out flyers for a window installation company he works for. He recalled speaking with the original complainant about the school, but denied any further conversation w/her, stating he was just passing through.

Solicitor Complaints

Fredmoor, 5/5, 1:25 p.m. Officers located solicitors in response to complaint and warned against soliciting w/out a permit. A small, mechanical knife was confiscated from one 19-year-old male from Oklahoma.

Rouge Circle, 5/5, 6:25 p.m. Complainant reported two solicitors appeared at his door selling coupons. They handed him a form, which he filled out. They proceeded to tell him he owed them the money for the coupons. He told them he didn’t want them. They told him if he didn’t pay, they’d be back with the police. They told officers it was a misunderstanding. They were advised not to return to the property or they’d be arrested for trespassing. They did have permits to solicit.

Assault and Battery

Assault and Battery/Drunk Driving Arrest, Maple and Dequindre, 5/8, 6:55 p.m. Officers responded to report of two subjects fighting in the lot of the Polish Cultural Center. Responding officers located both parties. Investigation revealed the incident began as a traffic altercation. Both drivers pulled into the lot where there was a verbal and possibly physical altercation where one driver was either punched by the other, or pushed to the ground. (Stories were somewhat conflicting.) In the course of the investigation, one of the drivers was found to be drunk, and was arrested. The 45-year-old male from Clinton twp. Had a blood alcohol level of .15. This was his second chargeable drunk driving offense. The other driver, a 27-year-old male from Royal Oak was released.

Possible Felonious Assault, Wilcox Brothers, 85 Minnesota, 5/2, 7:30 a.m.

Complainant reported a fellow employee deliberately struck him with his ’00 Chevy Pickup, which resulted in an injury to his knee. Complainant stated the suspect was terminated as a result of the incident.

Felonious Assault Report, American MSC, 2451 Elliott, 5/10, 11:15 p.m. Officers responded to complaint of a fight. Allegations made that 26-year-old male temporary employee was advised not to return to work when he refused to complete his shift. In response, he reportedly produced a straight edged razor and swung it at employee he suspected of reporting him to manager. He allegedly drove at that employee as he departed in his green ’01 Pontiac Bonneville. No injuries. Investigation continues.

Assault and Battery, Ona Marble and Granite, 1042 Livernois, 5/10, 10:30 a.m. Complainant came to station and reported that while at work, his partner’s brother, who is an employee, entered the office and began screaming at him. When he attempted to escort the subject out of the office, the subject began punching him. When he asked his partner to assist, he alleges the partner joined in the assault. The two suspects were interviewed and alleged complainant punched the brother/employee first. They denied attacking the complainant.

Larcenies

Saratoga, 5/7-5/8, 9:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. Complainant reported someone forced the partially open rear window down further to gain access to her ’02 Ford Explorer that was parked in the driveway and stole an entire set of hockey goalie equipment.

Normandy, 5/4-5/5, Complainant reported someone entered his ’95 Blazer and stole the radio and his wallet. He believes it was locked, however there was no sign of forced entry.

Lakeside, 5/4-5/5, 7:30 p.m.-12:00 p.m.

Complainant reported her ’05 Dodge Durango that was parked in the drive entered and her cell phone stolen. No sign of forced entry.

Topaz, 5/4-5/5, 7:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Complainant reported someone broke the passenger door window on his ’99 Ford Contour and stole the stereo from the dash, and speaker system from the trunk.

Rankin, 5/7, 9:05 a.m. – 10:35 a.m. Complainant reported front and rear side passenger door windows smashed out of his ’04 GMC Envoy that was parked in the lot. A suit, wallet, and camera with case and accessories were stolen.

Bally’s, 203 W. Big Beaver, 5/7, 2:00 p.m. –3:00 p.m. Complainant reported driver’s side door lock punched on her ’03 Chrysler Seabring and her purse and cell phone stolen.

Ideal Auto Restyling, 240 Park, 5/6-5/9 Complainant reported someone climbed the fence of secured storage lot and broke the window out of an ’01 Jeep Cherokee; nothing missing. A ’97 Dodge Ram was that was apparently unlocked was entered and the stereo stolen.

1813 and 1815 Larchwood, 5/7-5/9, 3:30 p.m. –7:00 a.m. Complainants reported respective storage trailers broken into by cutting locks off. Nothing stored inside one trailer to steal. A vehicle was in the other; no damage/nothing taken.

Par-Mac Paving, 1469 Souter, 5/7-5/9, 9:00 p.m. – 6:45 a.m. Complainant reported discovering a portion of the fencing that surrounds the storage lot behind the business had been cut. Two storage sheds had been broken into; one was not entered, the other entered, but nothing taken from the other. Three trailers had the locks cut off and were entered. Numerous tools and equipment valued at several thousand dollars stolen. An unlocked semi-trailer was entered, but nothing taken.

Trombley, 5/5-5/7, Complainant reported license plate from her ’98 Lincoln stolen.

Farmer Jack, 2105 W. South Bvd., 5/8, 7:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Complainant reported her checkbook and wallet were stolen from her purse while she worked.

Benjamin and Merrick, 5/5, 7:00 p.m. Complainant/construction site owner advised he observed a subject stealing lumber from construction site and had boxed him and his vehicle in while awaiting officers’ arrival. Investigation revealed 44-year-old male from Rochester Hills had several pieces of lumber in his vehicle. He stated he was only taking what appeared to be scrap. Most of that which was in his car was scrap. The few pieces that were not, were recovered. Owner allowed subject to keep the scrap. No charges.

Delphi, 1401 Crooks, 5/5, 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Complainant reported leaving his coat with his wallet in it in the cafeteria. When he returned to look for it, it was gone.

Bally’s, 203 W. Big Beaver, 5/4, 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Two complainants reported their lockers entered and personal items stolen, including wallets, credit cards, and cash. One lock was missing, the other still in place.

Saab of Troy, 5/6, 7:50 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Complainant reported an envelope containing cash from the previous day’s Service Department’s transactions was discovered missing from the receptionist’s desk. It had been placed under a stack of other documents, and was not readily visible.

Wal-Mart, 2001 W. Maple, 5/5-5/7, Complainant reported he left his wallet on a counter after completing work. When he returned to look for it, it was gone.

Nordstrom Rack, 822 E. Big beaver, 5/11, 3:00 p.m. Complainant reported she left her cell phone in the fitting room. It was gone when she returned to look for it.

Stolen and recovered Stolen Cars

Clare, MI, 5/6, 8:44 a.m. Clair County Sheriff’s Department reported recovering an unoccupied ’92 Ford Tempo that had been stolen from Pennington Collision on 4/26. In that case, a suspect came in claiming interest in the car, which was for sale, and had been given the keys to look it over.

Charter, 5/6-5/9, 5:00 p.m. – 4:30 a.m.

Complainant reported parking his ’92 Jeep Cherokee in the lot for the weekend. During that time period, the Ohio State Police contacted him and asked if his car had been stolen. He confirmed no one was supposed to have it; one arrest was made.

Woodside Trail, 5/12, 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Complainant reported ’01 Chevy Express van stolen.

Northfield Hilton, 5500 Crooks, 5/11, 7:45 p.m. – 10:15 p.m. Complainant reported ’04 Dodge
Ram 1500 stolen from lot.

Northwood University, 1900 W. Big Beaver, 5/11, 6:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. Complainant reported someone tried to steal her ’02 Chrysler Intrepid. Suspects pried door handle on driver’s door to gain entry, and had popped the ignition cylinder.

Credit Fraud

Complainant reported being contacted by DSW located on 600 John R and advised that her checking account information had been stolen as part of an on-going Identity Theft incident involving their computer systems. Complainant reported the account had not been compromised and closed the account.

Complainant reported she accidentally left her ATM card in the drive-thru machine after making a withdrawal at Bank One located at 2155 W. Big Beaver. When she realized it was missing the next day, she contacted her financial institution and was advised her card was used to make a $100.00 withdrawal at the same machine within 6 minutes of her transaction; that transaction was the very next sequence number for that machine. She believes she did not close out the transaction and the person in the vehicle behind her in line is responsible. She stated that car was a red SUV, possibly a Dodge Durango, occupied by two males.

Harassing Phone Calls, Civil Matters, Domestic Disturbances

Management representative from Children’s Learning Center located at 5480 Rochester reported ex-husband has been trying to contact his ex-wife at work by phone. When he calls, he is described as yelling and cursing at anyone who answers. The ex-wife is not currently working at the center. The caller was contacted by PD and advised to cease the contacts.

Complainant reported she is receiving non-threatening, but unwanted calls and E-mails at work, located at 2075 W. Big Beaver, from an ex-boyfriend. She is in process of obtaining a PPO.

Complainant reported receiving harassing, threatening, and at least one obscene call from unknown male subject using a different name each time he calls, representing he is asking for donations on behalf of Troy PD and asking for a credit card number. SBC Annoyance Bureau investigating caller origin.

Officers summoned to Wal-Mart at 2001 W. Maple on report of 5 year old child left alone in vehicle. Caller indicated the child was there at least 10 minutes. Officers spoke to child who stated he was sleeping and woke up alone. Shortly thereafter, his 14-year-old sister came back to the car, followed shortly thereafter by her mother. Investigation revealed the 14 year old was left to watch the child while the adult returned some purchases and was not supposed to leave the car. The 14 year old left and went into the store without the adult’s knowledge.

Complainant reported while in parking lot of restaurant her boyfriend discovered a number on her cell phone that he didn’t recognize and became angry, throwing the cell against the window and breaking both. He exited and she drove away. As she did, he kicked the side of her car. Investigation continues.

Officers responded to scene of dispute between business owner and landlord on Long Lake. Business owner is upset because air conditioning doesn’t function; landlord claimed tenant is several thousand dollars behind in rent. Both advised on civil remedies.

Officers called to business on Elliott where management was concerned over statements made by a former employee that he might harm himself. Officers determined subject resides in another jurisdiction. That jurisdiction contacted, checked on subject’s welfare, and reported subject’s condition did not indicate a need for intervention.

Complainant reported he works for a cash advance agency and when he arrived at a residence on Emerald Lakes to collect an outstanding debt, the subject grabbed his paperwork, tossed it on the ground, and slammed the door. Complainant advised he was proceeding to court.

Officers summoned to scene over dispute between landlord and relatives to whom he allowed to move into a rental property he owns on Vermont. He alleged the relatives were not paying rent and were delaying moving out as agreed. Relatives claimed they were having trouble evicting a tenant from the location they planned to move to, had an agreement to be out by the 16th and planned to pay the back-rent owed. All parties directed to court.

Trouble with Customer, Walgreen’s, 1965 E. Big Beaver, 5/9, 7:40 p.m. Complainant reported a customer with a store issued gift card wanting a small purchase and the remaining balance on the card back in cash. The gift card was originally issued because the customer returned items w/out a receipt and store personnel had suspicions of fraud. Upon officers’ arrival, customer agreed to a new card with the majority of the balance transferred thereon, and a small amount of cash back.

Arrest Summary

In addition to those outlined above, the following arrests were also made during the listed period:

Domestic Assault: 2

Drunk Driving: 10 (1 third offense-felony)

Retail Fraud: 11

Drove While License Suspended or Revoked: 12

Warrants: 3

Drove Without License: 2 (1-15 year old for moped)

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

Crime Prevention Tips

· It has been proven time and time again that the proper use and application of physical security will stop a would-be burglar.

· Things that can be done to combat auto theft and larcenies from autos include:

Installing a car alarm.

Using steering-wheel locking applications like the club etc.

Applications of a hidden kill switch to the ignition system.

Park in a well lit well traveled area if possible.

Always maintain security of vehicle keys.

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

Always lock your vehicle 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 and fun 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.

Your belongings are not safe while you are playing sports or at work unless you have them properly locked or are in possession of them.

Thieves wait for the right time and will take property quickly.

Unfortunately you cannot always trust co-workers or other business associates.

Do not rely on others to watch your belongings. If they fail, you will be the victim, not them.


Fraud Prevention:

Remember nothing that is worth anything is free.

Never give any personal information out to an unknown source over the phone or Internet.
(If someone asks for personal information, ask to speak to his or her supervisor and inform them you will be calling the Police to make a fraud report.)

No reputable business will call you or email you for this information!!!

If you receive a phone call or email telling you that you have won something that you did not apply for, it is more than likely a fraud.

No legitimate organization will not ask for any money or a Credit Card number in order to claim a prize

Protect yourself against identity theft by shredding all documents and safe guarding your account numbers, social security numbers and credit card numbers.

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.

Never give your bank account numbers over the phone. Especially if unsolicited!


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


Detecting Counterfeit Money

All U.S. notes have security features on them to make them recognizable as authentic currency. In the past few years, The U. S. has been designing even more easy to identify, and more difficult to counterfeit. Some of these identifier features are:

· A watermark identical to the portrait of the president’s face is visible from both sides against a light.

· Color shifting ink on the number in the lower right corner on the front of the note.

· Micro printing on the oval ornamentation portrait framing around the president’s face on the front of the note; “The United States of America” is printed on it’s lower edge.

· Fine line printing patterns behind the portrait and building picture on the note are difficult to replicate.

These and other features will become easy to recognize with a little practice in handling money.

The most economical tool to assist in this effort is purchasing a small black light for use by all clerks, and left or installed for their use at the cash register.

For further information, contact the Community Services Section of the Police Department, and/or your local United States Secret Services Office.

· DO NOT use illegal drugs

· DO NOT drive and endanger the lives of everyone if you have consumed alcohol or drugs.

· If you are under 21 years of age, IT IS ILLEGAL to consume or possess alcohol.