Thursday, May 05, 2005
Business Crime Alert May 5, 2005
Business Crime Alert May 5, 2005
Recent Incidents
Retail Frauds
JC Penney, Oakland Mall. Earlier in the day, Loss prevention officers observed a 28-year-old male and a 19-year-old female, both from Detroit, fill two JC Penney shopping bags with $904.89 worth of merchandise then hide the bags under a rack. Troy Officers were in the store on another report several hours later, when store loss prevention officers observed the two suspects return. All watched as the suspects retrieved the concealed merchandise, then carried it out of the store without paying for it. Upon being approached by store loss prevention officers and Troy Officers, the male fled on foot. He was caught and arrested approximately ¼ mile away by another Troy Officer. The female was arrested with out incident as she left the store.
Sears, Oakland Mall. Loss prevention officers observed a 46-year-old male from Detroit enter the store with empty shopping bags in his coat. He placed a set of pans in his shopping cart, and then selected some bedding, which he concealed in one of the shopping bags that he carried in. He placed that on top of the set of pans in his cart. He proceeded to leave the store, pushing the cart, without paying for any of the merchandise. Upon being approached, he fled, however he was detained in the parking lot by two Madison Heights Officers and held until Troy Officers arrived.
Wal-Mart. Officers observed a vehicle in the lot whose occupants were intently watching both the store doors, as well as the police car. The vehicle was full of merchandise. The plate on the vehicle was improper. It was stopped after the fourth person entered. The driver, a 19-year-old male from Flint, was arrested for driving on a suspended driver’s license. There was approximately $500.00 of merchandise in the car. The driver originally stated he purchased it with cash and had the receipt. When no receipt could be located, he advised his cousin bought the merchandise and she had the receipt. She was not in the car. Wal-Mart Loss prevention were contacted. A description of the “cousin” was provided. Loss prevention advised they were watching her as a retail fraud suspect earlier. They ran a computer check on a DVD that was in the car and determined it had not been purchased. The suspected stolen merchandise was returned to the store. Although one passenger provided a false name when originally asked by officers, she eventually provided her true identity. The occupants were released. Officers were called back to Wal-Mart as the released passengers and the “cousin” returned and became disorderly, demanding the merchandise back
Assaults
At the Troy Sports Arena, a 34-year-old male from Royal Oak reported that during a hockey game, he got into a dispute over a slash that a 25-year-old male from Canton placed on him. The verbal dispute became physical, and the suspect pulled the victim’s helmet off, and punched and kneed him. The victim received 5 stitches to his nose as a result of the attack. The suspect was reportedly banned from the site as a result
At the Whole Foods store, 2880 W Maple, a 20-year-old male from Royal Oak reported that a 19-year-old male from Shelby Twp. has been threatening him over the past few days over remarks the victim allegedly made about the suspect’s girlfriend. The suspect showed up at victim’s work place, confronted him, and punched him in the face
Breaking and Entering
At Built Right, 360 E Maple, someone pried the window screen away from window. Entry was not gained.
Automobile Break-Ins
On Cherry Street a resident reported that someone broke out the front passenger side window of his 2002 Saturn and stole his wife’s purse, which was inside. The two running boards were also stolen. Some of the contents of purse were found on Enterprise by a mail carrier later in the afternoon
A citizen at Skate World, 2825 E Maple, reported that the rear driver’s side door window on her 2002 Ford Escape was smashed and a purse belonging to one of her companions was stolen. Possible suspect vehicle is a dark colored SUV.
Stolen Vehicles
Detroit PD recovered a 2004 Ford Econoline van that had been stolen from Dick’s Sporting goods on John R on 4/24/05. The van was missing the air bags, radio, and speakers. No arrests were made
A resident on Rochester suspects his roommate of taking his 1989 Ford Econoline van without his permission. He regularly allows the roommate to take it, but did not give permission on this specific occasion. He stated his roommate has taken it with out permission in the past and tried to trade it for drugs, however, he has always been able to locate the roommate and van. This time he has been unable to locate either.
Frauds
At Henderson Glass, 3903 Rochester, an employee reported that a subject purchased two windshields for a collision company, for a total of $363.35, with what turned out to be a no-account check. The employee called the collision company and was advised that one of his employees had written some fraudulent checks as payments. He made good on the payment. The subject who made the purchase in Troy matches the description of a subject who made a similar purchase at one of their stores in Berkley, also with a no-account check.
On Tanglewood, a resident reported that an individual came to his door, identified himself as a contractor from Roseville, and indicated the complainant’s roof was bad and needed replacement. The Complainant agreed to the proposal for $4100.00, and paid a required deposit of $1900.00. That check was cashed the next day, even though no work was done. The complainant re-contacted the contractor, who kept putting him off. Now he is unable to find or contact the contractor.
A citizen was contacted by a collection agency regarding an overdue phone bill for $352.90 that she was unaware of. It appears that someone opened the account using her personal information with out her knowledge or permission. The account was billed to an address in Detroit.
A citizen reported receiving notice regarding a closed/overdue phone account in the amount of $457.63 that someone opened using her name and social security number with out her knowledge or permission. The number was in the 313 area code.
A citizen was contacted by the Kohl’s store at John R and 14 Mile regarding what they believed was a suspicious credit purchase for $800.00. The account showed the citizen as a co-owner and it was billed to his address. He never opened a Kohl’s charge account. The purchase was declined by the store. He stated he also received a statement indicating a charge to the same account for $350.00 made at an earlier date.
A citizen reported that $198.00 worth of funds was transferred out of her account using two electronic checks with out her authorization or permission.
At Chili’s, 402 W 14 Mile, an employee reported that when presented with the bill for $50.24 the 21-year-old male from Madison Heights said that he had no money in his possession and had to go to his car. He left his Michigan ID as collateral, however he never returned.
A citizen reports that her car was broken into and her purse, containing credit cards, was stolen in Warren. She discovered unauthorized charges made at Circuit City in Troy using two of the cards for a total of $1900.73. Additional charges were made at Meijer in Madison Heights.
A citizen reported receiving correspondence from Massey Cadillac thanking her for a new Cadillac purchase. She received additional correspondence from On-Star acknowledging her new account activation. She had not purchased a car. She followed up with Massey and was advised there was no record of a sale in her name at their location. She contacted On-star who advised her their records showed the purchase was made at Suburban Cadillac in Troy. On Star provided her with the vehicle description and identification number. Officers went to the dealership and discovered the car in question still in the lot. It appears someone was attempting to set up a purchase using her personal information, however it had not yet gone through when she responded to the notifications. Investigation continues.
A citizen reported someone opened an unauthorized credit account in his name last year. He stated the matter was handled with the bank and the account was closed. He just received a payment demand asking for a minimum payment on a $10,681.05 balance on another account fraudulently opened in his name.
A citizen reported loosing his wallet on 4/23/05. On 4/27/05 he discovered 4 unauthorized charges made against his account using his debit card, which was in the missing wallet. Charges were made at two gas stations in Troy totaling $152.00.
Larcenies
A citizen at Entech reported someone stole her wallet from her purse, which she left at her desk while she went to purchase a drink
At Wal-Mart a shopper reported that she left her purse in her shopping cart and drove away. When she discovered it missing and returned, it was gone
A shopper at the Somerset Collection reported that she left her $250.00 cell phone on the table in the food court to get a napkin. When she returned, it was gone
A complainant at Sak’s Fifth Avenue in the Somerset Collection reported that while using the restroom, she either lost or had her wallet stolen
At Candlewood Suites on Kirts, a guest reports several personal items valued in excess of $1000.00, including a digital camera and Sony PSP accessories were stolen from her room. She is attempting to work out the matter with hotel management.
At Bally’s Fitness Center, 203 W Big Beaver, two members reported that the locks were removed from their respective lockers and their personal property, including wallets, cash, ID, and credit cards stolen. A third member stated his lock was in-place, however $90.00 in cash was missing from his pants pocket. All three lockers were combination locks.
At ABN AMRO, 320 E Big Beaver, an employee reported that her wallet was stolen from her purse, which was inside her cubicle. It contained both her and her boyfriend’s credit cards. While canceling the credit cards, the boyfriend was advised that his card had been used at one location, but not where or for how much.
Suspicious Persons/incidents
At the Community Center at 3179 Livernois an employee reported that a 37-year-old male from Troy came in to complain about the size of the tree that was planted to replace the Ash tree that was removed from in front of his residence. Apparently he became irate and threatening during the discourse
On Larchwood a citizen reported observing a male subject enter a home through a window, then exit out rear door, apparently wearing different clothing than when he entered. He left in a vehicle driven by another subject. The house was for sale. The owner was contacted and reported that she knew the subject; no crime was committed.
Crime Prevention Tips
· 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.
· All concerns can be discussed with our retail Liaison Officer at 248-524-3464.
· Laminated glass or Plexiglas should be installed to replace regular glass.
· Security film can also be installed of your pre-existing 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-guards placed in front of the bolt 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 your doors and windows.
· Garages and door walls are targets for thieves.
o Always ensure your garage door and pedestrian doors are secured.
o Do not leave garage door remote controls in cars not parked in the garage.
o Use 1 ½’’ dowel rod in the track of all sliding glass windows and doors to help prevent them from opening.
· It has been proven time and time again that the proper use and application of physical security will stop a would be burglar.
· Do not leave anything of value in your vehicle in plain view.
· Always lock your vehicle doors.
· If possible, park your vehicle in your garage. 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 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.
· 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
Recent Incidents
Retail Frauds
JC Penney, Oakland Mall. Earlier in the day, Loss prevention officers observed a 28-year-old male and a 19-year-old female, both from Detroit, fill two JC Penney shopping bags with $904.89 worth of merchandise then hide the bags under a rack. Troy Officers were in the store on another report several hours later, when store loss prevention officers observed the two suspects return. All watched as the suspects retrieved the concealed merchandise, then carried it out of the store without paying for it. Upon being approached by store loss prevention officers and Troy Officers, the male fled on foot. He was caught and arrested approximately ¼ mile away by another Troy Officer. The female was arrested with out incident as she left the store.
Sears, Oakland Mall. Loss prevention officers observed a 46-year-old male from Detroit enter the store with empty shopping bags in his coat. He placed a set of pans in his shopping cart, and then selected some bedding, which he concealed in one of the shopping bags that he carried in. He placed that on top of the set of pans in his cart. He proceeded to leave the store, pushing the cart, without paying for any of the merchandise. Upon being approached, he fled, however he was detained in the parking lot by two Madison Heights Officers and held until Troy Officers arrived.
Wal-Mart. Officers observed a vehicle in the lot whose occupants were intently watching both the store doors, as well as the police car. The vehicle was full of merchandise. The plate on the vehicle was improper. It was stopped after the fourth person entered. The driver, a 19-year-old male from Flint, was arrested for driving on a suspended driver’s license. There was approximately $500.00 of merchandise in the car. The driver originally stated he purchased it with cash and had the receipt. When no receipt could be located, he advised his cousin bought the merchandise and she had the receipt. She was not in the car. Wal-Mart Loss prevention were contacted. A description of the “cousin” was provided. Loss prevention advised they were watching her as a retail fraud suspect earlier. They ran a computer check on a DVD that was in the car and determined it had not been purchased. The suspected stolen merchandise was returned to the store. Although one passenger provided a false name when originally asked by officers, she eventually provided her true identity. The occupants were released. Officers were called back to Wal-Mart as the released passengers and the “cousin” returned and became disorderly, demanding the merchandise back
Assaults
At the Troy Sports Arena, a 34-year-old male from Royal Oak reported that during a hockey game, he got into a dispute over a slash that a 25-year-old male from Canton placed on him. The verbal dispute became physical, and the suspect pulled the victim’s helmet off, and punched and kneed him. The victim received 5 stitches to his nose as a result of the attack. The suspect was reportedly banned from the site as a result
At the Whole Foods store, 2880 W Maple, a 20-year-old male from Royal Oak reported that a 19-year-old male from Shelby Twp. has been threatening him over the past few days over remarks the victim allegedly made about the suspect’s girlfriend. The suspect showed up at victim’s work place, confronted him, and punched him in the face
Breaking and Entering
At Built Right, 360 E Maple, someone pried the window screen away from window. Entry was not gained.
Automobile Break-Ins
On Cherry Street a resident reported that someone broke out the front passenger side window of his 2002 Saturn and stole his wife’s purse, which was inside. The two running boards were also stolen. Some of the contents of purse were found on Enterprise by a mail carrier later in the afternoon
A citizen at Skate World, 2825 E Maple, reported that the rear driver’s side door window on her 2002 Ford Escape was smashed and a purse belonging to one of her companions was stolen. Possible suspect vehicle is a dark colored SUV.
Stolen Vehicles
Detroit PD recovered a 2004 Ford Econoline van that had been stolen from Dick’s Sporting goods on John R on 4/24/05. The van was missing the air bags, radio, and speakers. No arrests were made
A resident on Rochester suspects his roommate of taking his 1989 Ford Econoline van without his permission. He regularly allows the roommate to take it, but did not give permission on this specific occasion. He stated his roommate has taken it with out permission in the past and tried to trade it for drugs, however, he has always been able to locate the roommate and van. This time he has been unable to locate either.
Frauds
At Henderson Glass, 3903 Rochester, an employee reported that a subject purchased two windshields for a collision company, for a total of $363.35, with what turned out to be a no-account check. The employee called the collision company and was advised that one of his employees had written some fraudulent checks as payments. He made good on the payment. The subject who made the purchase in Troy matches the description of a subject who made a similar purchase at one of their stores in Berkley, also with a no-account check.
On Tanglewood, a resident reported that an individual came to his door, identified himself as a contractor from Roseville, and indicated the complainant’s roof was bad and needed replacement. The Complainant agreed to the proposal for $4100.00, and paid a required deposit of $1900.00. That check was cashed the next day, even though no work was done. The complainant re-contacted the contractor, who kept putting him off. Now he is unable to find or contact the contractor.
A citizen was contacted by a collection agency regarding an overdue phone bill for $352.90 that she was unaware of. It appears that someone opened the account using her personal information with out her knowledge or permission. The account was billed to an address in Detroit.
A citizen reported receiving notice regarding a closed/overdue phone account in the amount of $457.63 that someone opened using her name and social security number with out her knowledge or permission. The number was in the 313 area code.
A citizen was contacted by the Kohl’s store at John R and 14 Mile regarding what they believed was a suspicious credit purchase for $800.00. The account showed the citizen as a co-owner and it was billed to his address. He never opened a Kohl’s charge account. The purchase was declined by the store. He stated he also received a statement indicating a charge to the same account for $350.00 made at an earlier date.
A citizen reported that $198.00 worth of funds was transferred out of her account using two electronic checks with out her authorization or permission.
At Chili’s, 402 W 14 Mile, an employee reported that when presented with the bill for $50.24 the 21-year-old male from Madison Heights said that he had no money in his possession and had to go to his car. He left his Michigan ID as collateral, however he never returned.
A citizen reports that her car was broken into and her purse, containing credit cards, was stolen in Warren. She discovered unauthorized charges made at Circuit City in Troy using two of the cards for a total of $1900.73. Additional charges were made at Meijer in Madison Heights.
A citizen reported receiving correspondence from Massey Cadillac thanking her for a new Cadillac purchase. She received additional correspondence from On-Star acknowledging her new account activation. She had not purchased a car. She followed up with Massey and was advised there was no record of a sale in her name at their location. She contacted On-star who advised her their records showed the purchase was made at Suburban Cadillac in Troy. On Star provided her with the vehicle description and identification number. Officers went to the dealership and discovered the car in question still in the lot. It appears someone was attempting to set up a purchase using her personal information, however it had not yet gone through when she responded to the notifications. Investigation continues.
A citizen reported someone opened an unauthorized credit account in his name last year. He stated the matter was handled with the bank and the account was closed. He just received a payment demand asking for a minimum payment on a $10,681.05 balance on another account fraudulently opened in his name.
A citizen reported loosing his wallet on 4/23/05. On 4/27/05 he discovered 4 unauthorized charges made against his account using his debit card, which was in the missing wallet. Charges were made at two gas stations in Troy totaling $152.00.
Larcenies
A citizen at Entech reported someone stole her wallet from her purse, which she left at her desk while she went to purchase a drink
At Wal-Mart a shopper reported that she left her purse in her shopping cart and drove away. When she discovered it missing and returned, it was gone
A shopper at the Somerset Collection reported that she left her $250.00 cell phone on the table in the food court to get a napkin. When she returned, it was gone
A complainant at Sak’s Fifth Avenue in the Somerset Collection reported that while using the restroom, she either lost or had her wallet stolen
At Candlewood Suites on Kirts, a guest reports several personal items valued in excess of $1000.00, including a digital camera and Sony PSP accessories were stolen from her room. She is attempting to work out the matter with hotel management.
At Bally’s Fitness Center, 203 W Big Beaver, two members reported that the locks were removed from their respective lockers and their personal property, including wallets, cash, ID, and credit cards stolen. A third member stated his lock was in-place, however $90.00 in cash was missing from his pants pocket. All three lockers were combination locks.
At ABN AMRO, 320 E Big Beaver, an employee reported that her wallet was stolen from her purse, which was inside her cubicle. It contained both her and her boyfriend’s credit cards. While canceling the credit cards, the boyfriend was advised that his card had been used at one location, but not where or for how much.
Suspicious Persons/incidents
At the Community Center at 3179 Livernois an employee reported that a 37-year-old male from Troy came in to complain about the size of the tree that was planted to replace the Ash tree that was removed from in front of his residence. Apparently he became irate and threatening during the discourse
On Larchwood a citizen reported observing a male subject enter a home through a window, then exit out rear door, apparently wearing different clothing than when he entered. He left in a vehicle driven by another subject. The house was for sale. The owner was contacted and reported that she knew the subject; no crime was committed.
Crime Prevention Tips
· 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.
· All concerns can be discussed with our retail Liaison Officer at 248-524-3464.
· Laminated glass or Plexiglas should be installed to replace regular glass.
· Security film can also be installed of your pre-existing 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-guards placed in front of the bolt 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 your doors and windows.
· Garages and door walls are targets for thieves.
o Always ensure your garage door and pedestrian doors are secured.
o Do not leave garage door remote controls in cars not parked in the garage.
o Use 1 ½’’ dowel rod in the track of all sliding glass windows and doors to help prevent them from opening.
· It has been proven time and time again that the proper use and application of physical security will stop a would be burglar.
· Do not leave anything of value in your vehicle in plain view.
· Always lock your vehicle doors.
· If possible, park your vehicle in your garage. 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 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.
· 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
