Troy Police Crime Alert

Recent Incidents

Crime Alert for November 18, 2005

Arson:

Costello School, 1333 Hamman, 11/12, 0530 hrs. Troy Fire and Police responded to a report that the wooden play structure on the playground was on fire. The fire was extinguished. Investigation revealed burn marks in the brick on the north and northwest sides of the building. Found beneath the marks in both areas were burned and broken beer bottles, as well as burned cloth material that had been lit. Gasoline was detected in the debris. A lighter was found on the ground near the debris on the north side. An inspection of the roof revealed another broken and burned glass beer bottle. The tar on the roof was singed, but the fire had extinguished itself. The odor of gas was apparent on the roof. Earlier in the evening, the FD was called to extinguish a brush fire consisting of leaves and beer cans placed in the middle of the road on Alton, which is near the school.

Assaults:

Marshall Field’s, 500 W. 14 Mile, 11/12, 1540 hrs. Officers responded to report of individuals fighting, possibly w/guns and knives. Upon arrival, all responsible parties were gone. Investigation revealed at least 5 young B/M’s involved; no weapons apparent. A possible name of one of the combatants, a 14 year old male from Farmington Hills, was provided by a witness who thought she recognized him as he left holding his hand over his bleeding mouth, however his identity/involvement has not been verified as of this writing.

Jackson, 11/12-11/13, 1800-0800 hrs. ’86 Buick Regal stolen from lot of apartment complex.

John R, 11/11-11/12, 1700-1700 hrs. ‘96 Plymouth Neon stolen from lot of apartment complex.

Credit, Check, Identity Theft, and other Fraud:

LaSalle Bank, 150 E. maple, 8/31-9/1 Bank representative reported 32-year-old female from Troy opened an account, then proceeded to write checks and make ATM withdrawals in excess of the available funds. She has not responded to bank attempts to contact her to make good on the account. Total loss in Troy appears in excess of $1000.00

In the course of applying for a loan, complainant’s credit report was obtained. He discovered an unknown credit account opened using his social security number by an unknown individual. Not known if there were any unauthorized purchases made.

A 32-year-old male stated he was corresponding with an unknown female via the Internet. She sent him three money orders for a total of $1950.00, asked him to cash them, and then wire her the money. He suspects they are counterfeit, as does his bank. They were issued in the name of a male from New York. No loss.

Complainant reported someone made a fraudulent withdrawal from her bank account in Grand Rapids, apparently by using her personal information to fill out and present a withdrawal form for $740.00.

Complainants reported being contacted by their credit union advising it appeared someone used the information on the magnetic strip of one of their credit cards to create a fraudulent card. Approximately $2200.00 in fraudulent purchases had been made at several locations throughout the metro area. The credit union suspected their account information was obtained from a legitimate purchase they made w/the card when it was swiped.

R and T Management, 3310 W. Big Beaver, 10/24 Management representative reported discovering someone had obtained business bank account information and used it to make approximately $7300.00 worth of unauthorized payments on one or more credit card accounts on-line.

Complainant received notice from a collection agency trying to collect in excess of $5000.00 on a phone account and credit account that he states someone fraudulently opened using his personal information.

Complainant reported receiving a call from a telephone company in England inquiring if he used his Paypal account to order a phone line. He told them no, and they cancelled the order. He received another call from an individual asking if he owned “International Cargo.” When he told the caller no, the caller explained he was bidding on a car on an Internet site where seller wanted him to use the “International Cargo” website to make a wire transfer of funds. When caller investigated the website, he obtained complainant’s cell number, personal information, and home address and called him to check on the legitimacy of the site. Complainant reported he tried to get the site closed, but it appears it is originating from another country/language, and was unsuccessful.

Troy Officers responded to six incidents involving family troubles/domestic disputes where investigation revealed no assaults or other crimes occurred, therefore no formal enforcement action taken/required.

Complainant reported her live-in 22-year-old son became angry with her, pushed her, and took her car w/out her permission. He has not returned. Investigation continues.

Complainant reported that while sitting in a vehicle in the Oakland Mall lot talking w/her boyfriend, her ex-boyfriend confronted her, threw a cigar at her, and slapped her hand. He knocked several items off the dashboard of the vehicle she was sitting in, then left in a white Pacifica. He is 25, from Warren.

Alliance Staffing, 850 Stephenson, 8/5-11/4 Complainant reported the company is a temporary staffing company. They hired and assigned the 25-year-old male suspect from Detroit to a location in Auburn Hills beginning 8/5. They had not been paid by the contractor for suspect’s services for some time, so called the contact person at the site. Complainant learned the suspect was only needed 6 days, and worked those days between 8/5 and 8/12. Suspect continued forging and faxing the time sheets to complainant’s company, and was paid $9287.17 through 11/4. When contacted and confronted, he admitted his actions to complainant, but advised he could not repay the money.

Modernistic, 1460 Rankin, 9/4-11/2 Company representative reported receiving information that a company fleet gas card had been used twice at a gas station in Mt. Clemens to fraudulently purchase gas. The third attempt at the same station was denied by gas station personnel.

Speedway, 2980 John R, 10/30 Management representative reported they suspected a male employee of using a customer’s gift card to make $169.32 in fraudulent purchases.

Home Invasions:

McClure, 11/11 Complainant reported someone forced entry through the front pedestrian door, went through a file cabinet and several dresser drawers. Cash, DVD’s, and a ring were stolen.

Larcenies:

Sear’s, 300 W. 14 Mile, 11/12, 1630-1930 hrs. Complainant reported he locked his Haro F4 bike to the bike rack outside Sear’s. When he returned, the lock was cut and the bike stolen.

Elaine, 11/5-11/11 Complainant reported someone stole the gas meter from the side of his residence.

Basement Storage Locker, Coachman, 11/11-11/14 Fenced/locked storage locker had gate pulled open enough to allow suspect to steal 3 amplifiers.

Basement Storage Locker, Century, 10/24-11/14 Fenced/locked storage locker had gate pulled open enough to allow suspect to steal $1075.00 worth of collectable Christmas ornaments.

Two Office Suites at 5700 Crooks, 11/11-11/14, 1700-0700 hrs. Desktop and monitor stolen from one office; laptop stolen from another. No signs of forced entry/no damage.

Troy Beaumont Hospital, 44201 Dequindre, 11/14, 0700-1535 hrs, Complainant reported leaving his wallet in his pants in his unlocked locker when he changed clothes for work. At the end of the day he changed back into his clothes and didn’t notice the wallet missing until he arrived home. He received a phone call from a bank that holds one of his charge cards checking on two suspicious purchase attempts for $1600.00 at a Meijer Store in Sterling Heights. Both purchases were denied.

Thunderbird Lanes, 400 W. Maple, 11/8, 0009 hrs. A purse and wallet were stolen that were left on tables near location where complainants were bowling. A suspicious W/M was observed bowling alone. He bowled a 64, and then quit bowling when the lights were turned down for a promotional event, and was observed walking around the areas where the tables are located. He left the building when the lights were turned back on. He is described as a W/M, 5’6, 160, thin, black shoulder length hair, shadow of facial hair/beard, black hooded sweatshirt and black pants.

Northeast Metalcraft, 2143 Heide, 11/11-11/14, 1200-0700 hrs. Complainant reported approximately $10,000.00 worth of metal parts he manufactured as part of an agreement with another individual were missing from the pallets on which they were stored behind the business. It appears there is an on-going civil dispute between the individual who placed the order and complainant involving the now missing materials.

Larcenies from Autos:

Oakhill, 11/10-11/11, 2130-0530 hrs. Complainants reported both their cars were locked in the driveway, however were entered by unknown means, no damage/no force. ’05 Chrysler Pacifica had laptop, DVD’s, HP Ipaq, misc. tools, and wallet stolen. ’04 PT Cruiser had wallet w/numerous credit cards, ID, and cash stolen.

Scott, 11/12-11/13, 1200-1200 hrs. Satellite radio stolen from unlocked vehicle parked in drive.

Athens High, 4333 John R, 11/12, 1430-1700 hrs. Rear driver’s side window smashed out of ’03 Acura and purse stolen. 05-39953

Passenger side front window smashed out of ’04 Jaguar and purse stolen.

Sylvanwood, 11/11, 1600-2000 hrs. Unlocked ’00 Buick parked in drive entered and gone through. Garage door opener stolen; garage door was opened, but nothing appeared missing.

Michigan Architectural Products, 2040 Austin, 11/11, 1145-1200 hrs. Rear driver’s side door window smashed out of ’04 Chevy Trailblazer and leaf blower and purse stolen. (Purse reportedly contained $1200.00 in cash from a check complainant just cashed.)

Office Lot at 310 Executive, 11/14, 1515 hrs. Complainant observed suspect fleeing from the area of his ’02 Jeep Liberty where the front drover’s side window was smashed out and a cell phone stolen. Madison Heights had a similar incident involving a similar suspect/vehicle description. Suspect: B/M, 25. Suspect Vehicle: Maroon BMW.

Somerset Pontiac, 1850 W. Maple, 11/11-11/14, 1900-0700 hrs. Seven SUV’s were attacked in fenced-in rear lot. Five had tires and wheels stolen; two had attempts, with lug nuts found on ground but wheels still attached. Gate was found unlocked.

Office Lot, 840 W. Long Lake, 11/11, 0800-1330 hrs. Unlocked ’04 Chrysler Pacifica entered and set of golf clubs stolen.

Lovington, 11/14-11/15, 2230-0950 hrs. Complainant reported parking and locking her ’95 Plymouth Neon in the lot. When she returned to the vehicle, it was still locked, however the in-dash stereo, 300 CD’s, and approximately $100.00 in miscellaneous currency were missing. Officer noted one window is loose, such that suspects may have been able to pull it open enough to gain access to and unlock the door.

Malicious Destruction of Property:

Office Building, 4770 Rochester, 11/12-11/12, 1330-1645 hrs. Outside walls of building spray-painted w/orange paint.

Trombley, 11/11, 2300-0500 hrs. Mailbox and post destroyed; appeared to have been struck by a vehicle.

Troy Union, 1340 E. Square Lake, 11/11-11/14, 2330-0700 hrs. Someone wrote an obscene phrase with wax on the sidewalk in front of the school’s main doors, wrote the word “Hi” in wax on the front door, and broke a handrail on a handicapped ramp.

Oakland Mall Lot, 412 W. 14 Mile, 11/11, 1200 hrs. Complainant reported his ’02 GMC Envoy was keyed while parked in the lot.

Clubhouse Restroom, Coachman, 11/12, 1000 hrs. Property manager reported as he entered restroom a young W/M, approximately 12 years old wearing a green shirt and black pants ran out. The manager recognized him as a resident of the complex, but was not certain on his identity. Upon entering, he discovered the toilet paper roll on fire. He extinguished it. Follow-up with two area juveniles proved negative.

Minors and Alcohol:

John R and Lakeside, 11/11, 2358 hrs. Officer observed a group of individuals walking in the area of Redford Circle and Westpointe. Two ran off, as he approached. He later observed them getting picked up by a vehicle in the parking lot of a business at South Blvd. and John R. He stopped the car. The 17-year-old male driver from Troy stated he came to pick up his friends. There was a male trying to hide on the floor of the backseat. He was 17, from Troy. He had been drinking and blew.05 on a PBT. He was cited for MIP and his mother summoned to the scene to pick him up. The 16-year-old female passenger from Troy blew .06 on a PBT. She was taken to the station where her father was summoned to pick her up. Her case was referred to Juvenile Court.

Peace Officer/Civil:

Complainant who was a former renter at a home on South Blvd. reported the landlord allowed him to store some of his belongings in the garage after he moved out. The next tenant, who has also moved out, apparently tried to contact complainant several times to get him to remove his property from the garage as she needed the space. When he didn’t, she took it to a scrap yard and sold it. Referred to civil court.

Complainant reported he made an arrangement with owner of the Oriental Rug Gallery in Rochester, MI to take possession of his oriental rug valued at $9000.00 and attempt to sell it under a consignment agreement in August of 1999. Complainant has maintained contact with business, checking on status of sale ever since. In September of 2005 when he went to the business to check on his rug, he discovered the business closed. The landlord advised he did not have any contact information for the previous tenant. Complainant obtained some information indicating the owner may have moved and opened a flooring company in Scottsdale, Arizona, however cannot confirm if it is the same individual. Referred to civil court.

Phone Calls/Harassment/Threats:

Complainant reported receiving obscene calls and harassing text messages from another female. When officer called the number of origin, a female answered but immediately hung-up.

Complainant and his fiancée reported receiving numerous obscene/harassing calls from complainant’s ex-wife, so he took his phone off the hook. Shortly thereafter, Troy PD received a call from the ex-wife claiming their 16-year-old daughter was experiencing a medical emergency at her ex-husband’s home. Investigation revealed there was no medical emergency involving the 16 year old. The 49-year-old female suspect from Troy refused to cooperate w/officers investigating these incidents. Investigation into charges of Falsely Summoning Police regarding the alleged medical emergency pending.

Retail Fraud:

DSW Shoe Warehouse, 600 John R, 11/11, 1140 hrs. Complainant reported three black males, one wearing a white sweat suit and another wearing a gray sweat suit, entered the store, where each grabbed a pair of Timberland boots, and fled. They were last seen driving away in a white 4D. Total stolen: $269.70

Marshall Field’s, 500 W. 14 Mile, 11/13, 1725 hrs. LPO’s reported a male and female entered the store together. The male concealed three purses in a shopping bag he was carrying. His female associate picked up and concealed a bottle of fragrance in the same shopping bag. After he exited, she was observed as she picked up and concealed another bottle of fragrance in her purse. LPO’s pointed the male out to responding officers as he exited the mall and walked into the lot. Officers caught up as he tried to enter an ’03 Mercury Sable parked in the lot. He dumped the bag and managed to escape on foot. Two of the stolen purses and a bottle of perfume were recovered from the bag. The vehicle registers to a 45-year-old male from Detroit. The suspect who escaped is described as a B/M, mid forties, 5-9, 170, dark baseball style hat, goatee, short black hair. (Total recovered: $342.00) The third purse, valued at $68.00 was not located. The female was located and arrested in another lot by responding Troy officers. Found in her purse along w/the stolen bottle of perfume valued at $82.00 were numerous checks, identifications, and several credit cards in the names of several different individuals. At least one of the credit cards was verified as stolen. The 36-year-old female from Detroit was charged w/Retail Fraud and Possession of a Stolen Credit Card

Louis Viutton, 2901 W. Big Beaver, 11/13, 1445 hrs. Complainant reported a Belem PM bag valued at $1000.00 and a Citadin bag valued at $640.00 were stolen from a display, possibly while she was retrieving bags from the back room. Another associate was assisting a customer at the time. Four other customers were also in the store. Of the four, two were still there when complainant returned from the stock room and did not have any merchandise in their possession; the other two had left.

Suspicious Incidents:

Witherbee and Graefield, 11/11, 1520 hrs. Officers summoned to Pembrooke Elementary School by principal. He had three 11-year-old male students all from Birmingham in his office. They reported the occupants of an ’02 Ford Explorer have yelled obscenities at them as they walked home in the past. On today’s date, the passenger exited and chased them. Officers proceeded to the residence of the registered owner in Bloomfield, and learned his 16-year-old son and his son’s friend, another16-year-old male from Bloomfield, drove the car. They were interviewed and admitted harassing the younger kids in the past, as well as on today’s date. Officers warned them; driver’s father advised he’d take appropriate disciplinary measures w/his son and advise the other kid’s parents.

Thunderbird Lanes, 400 W. Maple, 11/14, 2304 hrs. Complainant reported observing same suspicious male described in above purse and wallet larceny report wandering around the alleys, watching customers again on this date. He was wearing the same clothing and again was present during a promotional event during which the lights are turned down. When officers spoke with him he was evasive and provided conflicting statements as to what he was doing, how he got there, and where he was living. He had difficulty calculating his age. He provided a Michigan License indicating a Romulus address. It showed he is 19 years old. His dark green ’00 Honda Accord parked in the lot was located and checked w/negative results.

Welfare Checks:

Troy Officers responded to two incidents involving individuals experiencing emotional/psychological difficulties and assisted w/transport to the hospital for evaluation/commitment.

Troy Officers responded to one incident involving an individual experiencing emotional/psychological difficulties and assisted w/transport to the hospital for evaluation/commitment.

Miscellaneous

The Police Department has learned that there are IBM cash register keys in the hands of unscrupulous thieves working in the Detroit metropolitan area. The gypsy-like groups will screen (block for) each other or distract salespersons in order to gain access to the unattended cash registers manufactured by IBM. The suspects will then empty the cash drawers without leaving a trace of a security breech. Some such larcenies have been captured on video surveillance but no tips as to the identity of the perpetrators as of yet. Prudence dictates that cash tills be removed from IBM cash registers not in active use during the holiday season.

NOTE: The following was included in the weekly Crime Alert because it appeared to come from a reputable source. Upon further investigation, the Police Department has learned that this is an Internet Hoax and there have not been any reported incidents of this occurring in the United States. Please forgive the error.

Original entry:

Carjacking Alert!

You walk across the parking lot, unlock your car, and get inside. Then
you start the engine and shift into REVERSE, and you look into the
rearview mirror to back out of your parking space and you notice a piece
of paper stuck to the middle of the rear window. So, you shift into
PARK, unlock your doors and jump out of your car to remove that paper
(or whatever it is) that is obstructing your view. When you reach the
back of your car, that is when the car-jackers appear out of nowhere,
jump into your car and take off! Your engine was running and they
practically mow you down as they speed off in your car. And guess what
ladies? I bet your purse is still in the car...
BE AWARE OF THIS NEW SCHEME THAT IS NOW BEING USED.

Just drive away and remove the paper that is stuck to your window
later, and be thankful that you read this email. I hope you will forward
this to friends and family... especially to women! A purse contains all
of your identification, and you certainly do NOT want someone getting
your home address. They already HAVE your keys!

Arrest Summary:

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

Drunk Driving: 4 (2 were 3^rd offense/felonies)

Possession of Marijuana: 1 (Less than a gram)

Hinder/Obstruct Police: 2

Retail Fraud: 5

Drove While License Suspended: 3

Warrants: 5

Domestic Assault: 1

Have a blessed Thanksgiving Holiday!

Events & Programs

“Hand & Eye” Craft Bazaar will be held at Troy High School on

Saturday, November 19 from 9:00A.M.-4:00P.M.

Not to be outdone, Athens High School will also be holding

a craft show on the same day!

Crime Prevention Tips

Fraud Prevention:

Remember that nothing that is worth anything is free.

If someone that you do not know offers to do you a favor, they probably have an ulterior motive.

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 him or her 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

Suspicious Incidents / people

If it appears that someone is up to no-good, they probably are. Call the Police immediately. We are trained to investigate suspicious circumstances and determine if criminal activity is afoot.

The best security system that you can have is a “Nosy Neighbor.” Encourage your neighbors to be “Nosy,” especially if there is strange activity around your property. Return the favor by keeping a watchful eye on their property and reporting it immediately. This is the basis for the Neighborhood Watch program.

If someone or something seems “suspicious” to you or makes you feel uncomfortable, there is probably good reason for it. Don’t get into the habit of second-guessing your intuition and instinct.

Sexual predators are usually progressive, starting out with public exposure and leading to more risky and dangerous behaviors. You can check the state of Michigan registered sex offenders list at www.mipsor.state.mi.us for offenders that live in your area