Residential and Business Crime Alert
May 27, 2005
Recent IncidentsAlcohol and Drug Violations
On Rochester at Bishop, A Troy Officer noticed that a traffic crash had just occurred. As he attempted to approach the crash scene and investigate, a 1999 Ford Escort with heavy front-end damage from the crash began to drive away. The Officer caught up to the fleeing vehicle and eventually stopped it. When the 35-year-old female driver from New Boston was asked why she was running from the crash scene, she denied running from anything. She had been on her cell phone the entire time that the Officer had her in view. She thought she was on Woodward in Royal Oak. After failing sobriety tests, she was arrested for drunk driving and fleeing the scene of the crash. She had a blood alcohol level of .15% on the breath test. She has a prior drunk driving conviction in 2004, so was charged with a second offense.
At the Oakland Mall Marshall Field’s store, loss prevention officers recognized two subjects and their vehicle as suspects in larcenies from cash registers at other Marshall Field’s locations. They contacted Troy Police as they watched one of the suspects pry open an unattended cash register inside the store and steal the money. Responding officers took him into custody as he was attempting to exit the store. Officers recovered $1360.00 that he had stolen from the register. The other suspect waiting in the vehicle outside claimed no knowledge of the arrested subject, however he was arrested on outstanding arrest warrants from another jurisdiction. A small amount of heroin was confiscated from the suspect who broke into the register.
At the Athens High Prom at Petruzzello’s, 6950 Rochester, The Principal alerted the Juvenile Officers working the Prom to a group of attendees who arrived together in a limo and appeared to have consumed alcohol prior to their arrival. An 18-year-old female who was part of the group was displaying signs of intoxication. She was interviewed by detectives and had a blood alcohol level of .24% on a Preliminary Breath Test (PBT). The other members of her group were identified and interviewed. Seven additional members of the group ranging in ages between 17 and 18 were found to have been drinking, as well. Blood alcohol levels ranged from .03 to .13%. Two of those members tried to flee via a second floor door wall while officers were conducting their investigation, however they were caught and detained. The parents were summoned to pick their children up. Five members of the group had not been drinking and were allowed to stay.
On Kirts, an Attorney who is the executor/overseer of an estate of a deceased client was picking up the mail. A birthday card had been sent to the deceased client’s address from an unknown sender and the card contained a baggie with a powder substance inside. He suspected it was cocaine based on his client’s history. The card and powder was turned over to the Police and 9.8 grams of the powdery substance located in the baggie inside the card tested positive for cocaine.
In the lot of Nino Salvaggio’s at 6835 Rochester, an Officer observed a 2005 Saturn ION squealing its tires and driving carelessly in the lot. A 23-year-old male driver from Shelby Township was arrested for Driving on a Suspended License. His 16-year-old male passenger from Troy was found in possession of suspected hallucinogenic mushrooms. He claimed he found them in the bushes. He was arrested and transported to the station. He was later turned over to his father.
Firefighter’s Park, 5/26, 4:37 pm. A 23-year-old male from Rochester Hills cited for consuming alcohol in public.
Assaults
At the Foot Action store, 614 W.14 Mile, the store manager suspected two females of concealing two pair of pants in a shopping bag. A male joined them as they tried to exit. When the manager asked to check the bag, the female carrying it threatened her. When the manager tried to open it, the female carrying it slapped, and then punched her in the face, knocking her to the floor. All three fled on foot. When another employee attempted to follow, the male told him to “turn around, or else.” The suspects escaped. The store received a call shortly thereafter warning them to stop trying to check shopper’s bags or they will “get it.” The Manager was not available for interview, as she had gone to the hospital for treatment of a possible broken nose. The suspects are described as a Black Female, 30 years old, wearing blue jeans, black T-shirt and multi-colored Louis Vuitton cap. Suspect #2 is a Black Female, 25 years old, wearing white Capri pants and a light blue T-shirt. Suspect #3 is a Black Male, wearing blue jean shorts and multi-colored button down shirt, and white tennis shoes.
Retail Frauds
At the Oakland Mall Marshall Fields store at 500 W. 14 Mile, Loss prevention officers reported that a black male wearing a dark jacket, white shirt, dark pants, white shoes, and a dark hat entered the store. He approached the purse rack, grabbed 10 purses and ran out. He entered the driver’s side of blue 2005 Chrysler Sebring and fled. Total stolen: $587.00 Vehicle possibly registers to a 36-year-old male from Detroit.
At the Somerset Mall Marshall Field’s store at 2750 W. Big Beaver, a 56 year old white male from Royal Oak concealed $138.00 worth of merchandise in an empty Marshall Field’s shopping bag then exited the store without paying. He did this while shopping with his 9-year-old daughter and 11-year-old son. Two of the several items he concealed were handed to him, one by each of the children. When approached by store loss prevention officers he resisted and attempted to flee. During the struggle, the children came to their father’s aide by hanging onto the neck and back of the two store employees who were trying to detain him. He was controlled and arrested.
At the Rite Aid store at 1981 W. South Blvd., a store employee reported that two suspects stole 3 cases of beer. The suspects are described as a black male, 24 years, 5’11, clean cut and a black male 24 years, 5’8, wearing a ball cap. They were driving a Tan ’91 Mercury 4 door registered to a male from Commerce Township.
7-11, 5020 John R, 5/26. Two members of a group of three 16-year-old males from Troy entered the store and concealed some candy and gum in their pockets. An employee confronted them and recovered $3.27 worth of gum and candy. One youth explained he placed the items in his pocket intending to pay, but when he realized he didn’t have any money, he removed the items and returned them to a shelf. The second youth denied taking anything. Both were warned and released.
Embezzlement
Home Invasions and Breaking and Entering
On John R, a resident reported that someone stole an electric scooter from his open garage.
On Keaton, a resident observed several subjects she did not recognize in and around a home in the neighborhood. She called the police and when officers arrived, youths fled from the home. A 16-year-old male from Troy was detained inside. He reported that his friend who lives at the residence gave him the key. Officers contacted the homeowner, who advised that she and her family were out of town. When she asked her son, he confirmed that he gave the suspect the house keys. The Homeowner stated that no one had permission to be inside her home. Evidence of alcohol and marijuana consumption by the involved youths was discovered inside. The suspect had a blood alcohol level of .07% on a PBT. He was arrested, transported to the station and turned over to his parents. The 4 youths who fled have been identified. They are all from Troy, and charges will likely be filed.
PMP Marble and Granite, 1119 Wheaton, 5/11-5/26
A vacated building/warehouse was entered via an unlocked garage door. Numerous electrical fuse boxes as well as electrical copper wiring were stolen. The suspects appear to have used their own portable lights, as those were left behind and attached to the main electrical box with jumper cables. Suspects may have been inside on more than one occasion. The north cyclone fence leading into the rear yard had been cut. Workers in the business next door reported observing a suspicious red Chevy pickup cruising the area recently.
Automobile Break-Ins
On Jonathon, a resident reported that his 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix was entered and his cell phone and radar detector were stolen. A neighbor’s car was also entered and a flashlight was stolen. No sign of forced entry.
On Mountain, a resident reported an unlocked 2005 Ford Explorer that was parked in the drive was entered and a digital camera and several sets of keys were stolen. A can of olives was opened and thrown about the inside of the car. A bottle of mayo was dumped on the hood.
On Russet Drive, Four cars and five houses were splattered with paintballs. A 2005 Buick LaCrosse parked in a drive was entered and a laptop, palm pilot, cell phone, and other miscellaneous items were stolen. No sign of force; apparently the car was left unlocked. A Pontiac Firebird parked in the same drive had the side view mirror broken off.
At Roche Photo, 1255 Rankin, A 2003 Ford Van that had been sold was parked in the lot until the new owner picked it up. A business representative discovered that the spare tire had been stolen from the undercarriage. A loading ramp had been unbolted and stolen, as well.
Renshaw, 5/25-5/26, 7:30 pm –8:00 am. A purse was stolen out of a 2003 Dodge van parked in driveway. Credit cards were used to make unauthorized charges. No signs of force, but the sliding door was found unlocked. The owner suspects that the door was accidentally left unlocked by her son when he exited, as the other doors were locked.
Vandalisms
At the Wattles Elementary School Playground at 3555 Ellenboro, a citizen reported observing two juveniles light a small fire on a playground tire and a play station apparatus tube. Burn marks were located near the tire and minor burn damage and a hole were burned into the tube. A 14 and a 15-year-old male from Troy were arrested and taken to the police station. Their parents were notified and the juveniles were turned over to them. A lighter, a bottle of lighter fluid, a bottle of isopropyl alcohol, a bag of caps and wicks, and a bottle of aluminum sulfide were confiscated.
On Forest park, a resident reported that the driver side mirror was broken and rear wiper bent on his GMC Jimmy.
On Elm, a resident reported an unlocked 1996 Chevy Monte Carlo parked in the drive was entered and the center console was damaged by paintballs.
On Forest Park, two side view mirrors were broken off a 2000 Pontiac Grand Am parked in the drive.
At 2966 E. Big Beaver, Three windows were broken out of vacated business.
McIntosh, 5/22, 1:30 am – 4:30 am. The resident was sitting in her car on her cell phone when she observed a male youth from the neighborhood pull into his driveway. Shortly thereafter two males emerged from the area of his residence and approached the vehicles parked in her driveway. When they tried the door handles on her cars, she pushed her alarm, which scared them off. At 4:30 am., she heard sounds outside her window, but didn’t see anything. She found four yellow paintball shots on her car in the morning.
Stolen Vehicles
At the Alibi Inn, 6700 Rochester, a complainant reported a 2003 Harley Big Dog motorcycle was stolen from the lot.
The Detroit Police recovered a 1994 Pontiac Firebird on a residential street that had been stolen from Gloucester in Troy on 1/17/05.
Frauds
A resident reported receiving numerous e-mails and mailings from various groups, organizations, and schools she has never contacted. She also received notice from a music club indicating that she owes money for a CD she never purchased. That account was opened in her name to an address in Ann Arbor where she lived while attending school.
A resident reported that his debit card was stolen from his workplace and subsequently used to make approximately $440.00 worth of purchases at Circuit City and the Starr Theater in Madison Heights.
A resident reported that someone created a fraudulent check using her account numbers, but under a different name and address. The check was used to make a purchase at Wal-Mart for $125.89.
A resident reported receiving a notice from a collection agency over a delinquent phone account in the amount of $197.57. It appears that someone used the last four digits of her social security number to open the unauthorized account, which was billed to an address in Detroit with which she is unfamiliar.
Marshall Field’s, 2800 W. Big Beaver, Loss Prevention Officers reported discovering that a check used for a $397.50 purchase on 5/17 was counterfeit.
A resident reported discovering three unauthorized withdrawals for a total of $4328.00 made from his bank account. Someone appears to have opened an automatic payment account from his savings account using his personal information.
Larcenies
At Olga’s restaurant at 392 W 14 Mile a citizen reported that her debit card, social security card, and two gift cards were stolen from her purse while she worked.
On Upton, a resident reported that her purse was stolen while hosting a retirement party at her residence.
On Elm Ct. A resident reported someone stole a receiver from a satellite dish that was attached to side of house.
At the Oakland Mall Marshall Field’s store, loss prevention officers recognized two subjects and their vehicle as suspects in larcenies from cash registers at other Marshall Field’s locations. They contacted Troy Police as they watched one of suspects pry open an unattended cash register inside the store and steal the money. Responding officers took him into custody as he was attempting to exit the store. Officers recovered $1360.00 that he stolen from the register. The other suspect waiting in the vehicle outside claimed no knowledge of the arrested subject, however he was arrested on outstanding arrest warrants from another jurisdiction. A small amount of heroin was confiscated from the suspect who broke into the register.
On Telford, a resident reported that $1200.00 in cash was missing from a dresser drawer in the master bedroom. They have had a series of contractors in the home conducting remodeling jobs recently and they suspect a member of one of those crews may be responsible.
At Siemens at 777 Chicago, A $4355.00 laptop computer and accessories was stolen from an office. Witnesses reported a suspicious person walking out of lobby at time of theft carrying what appeared to be two laptop computer cases. Access to building is gained only via card access or fob access.
Wall Street Loan Center, 1361 E. Big Beaver, 5/20
An employee reported that a terminated employee, who is her ex-boyfriend, convinced a 16 year old male co-op student to steal her transaction receipts from the past year and place them in a dumpster. The youth advised he was under the impression the suspect planned to retrieve them after he placed them in the dumpster. The suspect promised the youth a better paying position with the company he was currently working for if he assisted him. Apparently, the suspect also wanted him to steal a laptop containing customer contact information from the business, but he refused.
Suspicious Persons/incidents
At Somerset North, 2800 W. Big Beaver, Officers responded to a report that a male subject had removed pants and underwear, and attempted to defecate on a planter. He was later observed removing his pants and urinating outside a store. The 46-year-old male from Detroit was committed for psychological evaluation. It appears he had recently been released from a similar evaluation.
If you have any information on any of the cases cited please contact the Troy Police Department.
This weekend is the Memorial Day weekend. Let us all use this time to reflect on the great sacrifices our war veterans have made for our great country. Say a special prayer for our soldiers and their families that are currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Always remember that freedom is not free and the great way of life we enjoy in this country is attributed to their willingness to serve and endure the hardships and pain that many of us will never have to know.
Crime Prevention Tips
If you witness a crime:
- get involved
- call the police
- It is easier to catch a criminal if we are called right away, while they are still in the area.
The Holidays usually bring celebrations, parties and alcohol consumption. Unfortunately we also see an increase in drunk driving.
Be responsible, if you drink, DO NOT DRIVE!
We all must share the roads, don’t risk the lives of others or yourself. It is not a good idea to mix Alcohol with other activities like boating or swimming. If you drink, do it in moderation and don’t drive or put yourself and other at risk.
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 secure your doors and windows.
- Garages and door walls are targets for thieves.
- Always ensure your garage door and pedestrian doors are secured.
- Do not leave garage door remote controls in cars not parked in the garage.
- 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.
- 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.
Vandalism Prevention
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.
· Talk with your kids and encourage them to tell you about any problems with other kids.
· 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 (especially when hosting sleepovers.) 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, or committing any other crimes, you can contact the Police Department Juvenile Unit, or Troy Youth Assistance for advice.
Juvenile Unit – 248-524-3451
Youth Assistance - 248-823-5095
# posted by Robert Kowalski @ 4:37 PM
