Troy Police Crime Alert

Crime Alert for period ending December 23, 2005

Auto/Vehicle Thefts:

Oakland Mall, 412 W. 14 Mile, 12/15, 1146 hrs. Troy Investigators located an ’03 Chevy Blazer at Oakland Mall that had been stolen from a dealership in November. Apparently someone posing as a customer presented fraudulent ID, took the vehicle for a test drive, and never returned. When investigators located it, it was occupied by two males and a female. The female entered Bath and Body Works where she stole two purse and lotion sets, then entered Victoria’s Secret where she stole three bottles of perfume. When the 45-year-old female from Detroit returned to the stolen car, she was arrested. The 54-year-old male from Pontiac who was driving the stolen car was also arrested. Narcotics paraphernalia consistent w/heroin use was confiscated from the vehicle. The 51-year-old male passenger from Roseville was released.

Charter, 12/13, 2359-0800 hrs. ’99 Ford Taurus reported stolen from lot. The vehicle was later recovered unoccupied/abandoned on a street in Detroit by DPD w/the ignition punched, wheels missing, and both airbags stolen.

Skateworld, 2825 E. Maple, 12/19, 1840-2130 hrs. ’01 Dodge Stratus stolen from lot.

Oakland Mall, 412 W. 14 Mile, 12/16, 1000-1200 hrs. ’95 VW Passat stolen from lot.

Breaking and Entries:

Val’s Pet Supply, 6975 Livernois, 12/13-12/14, 2015-0845 hrs. Manager who opened the store reported it was found locked/secure. Upon going to the office, he discovered the doors forced open and the office ransacked. Locked safe and locked cash box moved but not opened. Nothing appears missing.

ONA Marble and Granite, 1042 Livernois, 12/16, 0300-0730 hrs. Complainant reported discovering window on rear door broken when he arrived for work. He stated it appeared as if someone forced their way into the building. He reported five sets of marble cutting tools missing, valued at a total of $25,000.00. He also reported it appeared someone kicked in the doors on two offices that he had left locked when he departed the night before. A safe from one of the offices was reportedly taken. The lot is surrounded by cyclone fencing with barbed wire. There was no damage found on the fencing and the gate was locked when complainant arrived at the business. Apparently a key was left to the gate for the snowplowing service. The service provider reported the rear window was broken when he plowed the lot; he thought it was old damage. He also reported seeing footprints in the snow around the area the owner had hid the key when he retrieved it to open the gate and plow the lot.

ALS Technology, 1740 W. Big Beaver, 12/16-12/18, 2000-0700 hrs. Office door leading into suite pried and two laptop computers stolen. The doors on two other suites in the building appeared to have been tampered with. Unknown if they were entered or anything missing at this writing. One witness described seeing a B/M, 50 years, 5-8, wearing dark work clothes in the area. When witness spoke to subject, the subject represented he had a computer delivery for a suite in the building. The number to the suite the subject provided to the witness turned out to be the one broken into. The main entrance is controlled by card access. The suspect may have followed another employee in, or the door may have been held by an employee who was exiting/entering thinking suspect worked in the building.

Wireless Toyz, 4972 John R, 12/16, 0438 hrs. Complainant reported receiving a call from construction project manager that his store had been broken into overnight. Access was gained via a large hole that was broken into the drywall by the suspects from the store next door that is still under construction. Approximately 30 cell phones that were lying on a table near the point of entry were stolen.

Troy Café, 1775 E. 14 Mile, 12/17-12/19, 1400-0545 hrs. Landscape brick used to smash glass on entry door and gain access. Cash register stolen.

Credit, Check, Identity Theft, and other Fraud:

National City Bank, 3001 W. Big Beaver, 11/18 Representative from Technology Associates of Auburn Hills reported three of the company’s checks were copied and forged using the authorized signer’s name. One for $2000.00 was passed at NCB in Troy.

Forte Balanger, 1100 Coolidge, 12/13 Complainant discovered an unauthorized phone account opened using the company’s credit card account number. Account cancelled.

Bath and Body Works, 440 W. 14 Mile, 12/15, 1430 hrs. Complainant reported she received a call from a female claiming to be a representative of their check clearing service. The caller represented she had concerns over the authenticity of a check processed through one of their registers for $50.00 and needed the account numbers to confirm. Complainant looked and found a check for $50.00 in the register, and provided the account information to the listed caller. Complainant received a call shortly thereafter from their other store on Big Beaver warning her they received a similar call. In that call the caller provided a register number where the transaction supposedly occurred. That register was not in service, therefore the manager immediately suspected a fraud attempt. The original complainant called their check service; they confirmed no such inquiry was made on their behalf. The responding officer was able to contact the check holder whose account number was given out. She immediately contacted her bank and closed the account. No money was lost.

Complainant reported receiving a call from an individual claiming to be a Wal-Mart representative advising he had won a prize from a contest at a Wal-Mart store. Complainant knew he hadn’t entered any contests, but played along to determine what the scam might be. The caller provided complainant an address in the 755 W. Big Beaver Office Building. He provided the complainant a date and time to be there, indicating he would need to provide two forms of identification to claim the prize; one had to be a photo ID. Complainant called Wal-Mart Headquarters who affirmed they would never contact customers by phone at their homes in such a manner. Officers tried to check the address out at the 755 building with negative results. A party approached them while they were there and suggested the business in question might be a time-share vacation property brokerage, promising would-be customers some sort of prize to get them to show up, then trying to sell them time-shares. The officers were unable to verify that assertion, however.

Oakland Mall, 412 W. 14 Mile, 12/17, 1200 hrs. Complainant made a withdrawal at ATM machine at the mall. When he returned home, he discovered the card missing and suspected he left it at the machine. When he checked with his bank, he discovered an unauthorized charge made against it at a store in the mall for $150.00, as well as another charge for $143.00 made against it at a store in Madison Heights.

Complaint reported his divorce was final in November, 2005. He has since moved to Texas. He owns/runs a small business. He discovered several fraudulent transactions against the business account, which he is the sole owner/authorized user: a check for $350.00 made out to his ex-wife, a $500.00 electronic check used to pay another bill, and a cell phone bill paid on-line using the account’s debit card number. He suspects his ex-wife obtained the check and account numbers while they still lived together.

Complainant reported discovering unauthorized charges against her credit card that occurred while she was out of town. Total charged: $4125.28; of which $616.83 occurred in Troy. Complainant not sure where or how her credit card was stolen.

Domestics/Family Troubles:

Troy Officers responded to 5 incidents involving family troubles/domestic disputes where investigation revealed no assaults or other crimes occurred, therefore no formal enforcement action taken/required.

Male complainant from Troy allowed ex-girlfriend to spend the night. The following morning they argued and she slapped him several times. She left, then returned and slammed a closet door, damaging it. She proceeded to push him several times on her way out. She was gone when officers arrived. They contacted her by phone, but she declined to make a statement. Investigation pending.

Complainant came to the station to report that after an argument, her husband punched her in the face and shoulder through the open window of her car. He left the scene. Investigation continues.

Complainant reported she allowed an ex-boyfriend and his children to spend the night. In the morning they got into an argument and he broke a shelf in her closet. He went outside to put on his shoes, at which point she locked the door and told him to wait there while she collected his things. He broke the door down, re-entered, reportedly damaged another shelf in the residence and possibly pushed her before leaving.

Officers were summoned to Troy Beaumont ER where a female from Troy was seeking treatment for injuries sustained in a domestic assault. She stated her ex-boyfriend was at her residence. They got into an argument and he punched her in the jaw. He fled the house after the assault. She was driven to the hospital by an associate. Investigation continues.

Drugs/Narcotics:

Troy Beaumont, 44201 Dequindre, 12/17, 1755 hrs. Officers summoned on report that a nurse had recovered a small baggie of what appeared to be crack cocaine when assisting a 46 year old female patient from Troy. Officers spoke to suspect/patient who advised the rock in the baggie was crack, and an individual who had come to visit her had brought it for her to use. A crack pipe was recovered by officers from suspect’s purse. Substance tested positive for cocaine. Possible charges pending.

Long Lake and Livernois, 12/19, 1550 hrs. Driver of ’97 Chevy S-10 crashed into the rear of a van. His car was not drivable, and when he exited to allow it to be towed, a small amount of marijuana and narcotics paraphernalia consistent with smoking marijuana was discovered inside the passenger compartment of his car. The 17 year old male from Troy was arrested.

Drunk/Intoxicated Driving Incidents of Interest:

Big Beaver near Lakeview, 12/17, 1415 hrs. Cell phone caller reported ’93 Chevy P/U driving in circles in the lot of 888 W. Big Beaver. Caller reported driver appeared disoriented. Officers located the vehicle W/B on Big Beaver near Lakeview. Shortly thereafter, the truck swerved , and drove onto the snow-covered median. It crossed completely over, traversed E/B Big Beaver traffic, and entered the south side mall lot. Two police units positioned themselves around the vehicle and guided it to a stop. There was a used syringe on the front seat. The 41-year-old male driver from Flint indicated he was taking Tylenol with codeine; he later added that he took heroin. He failed sobriety tests. He blew .00 on a PBT. He was arrested for Operating Under the Influence of Narcotics. He has a prior conviction for drunk driving in 2003, therefore was charged as a second offense.

Home Invasions:

Haverford, 12/13-12-14, 2300-0400 hrs. Garage door opener removed from unlocked car in drive and attached garage opened; generator, snow thrower, and leaf blower stolen.

Larcenies:

Bristol, 12/13-12/14, 2130-0700 hrs. Garage left open; unlocked vehicle parked therein had iPod stolen from it.

Home Depot, 1177 Coolidge, 12/10, 0800-0830 hrs. Complainant stated he removed skis and poles from his truck to load items he had just purchased. He drove off, forgetting to re-load the ski equipment. When he returned it was gone.

Evelyn and Crabtree 2801 W. Big Beaver, 12/14, 1200-1800 hrs. Complainant/employee reported her purse stolen from back stock room. Her credit cards were used fraudulently in Rochester and Detroit.

Arden B, 2801 W. Big Beaver, 12/17, 1800 hrs. Complainant reported while shopping, she left her purse in the stroller in which her 6-year-old daughter was seated. She stated she looked away for several seconds, and then discovered her purse missing.

Cache, and Arden B Stores, 2801 W. Big Beaver, 12/17, 1330-1730 hrs. Complainant stated she left her purse unattended at both stores at the mall while she was engaged in modeling assignments. She stated she discovered two credit cards missing from her purse later that day. When she contacted her banks, she was advised of an unauthorized charge made against one of the cards for $2050.00 at a store in Novi.

Larcenies from Autos:

Somerset Collection, 2800 W. Big Beaver, 12/7, 1845 hrs. Complainant reported she parked using the valet service. When she returned home, she discovered her medication missing and suspects the theft may have occurred at the mall.

Quality Tile, 1197 Rochester, 12/16-12/19, 1730-0820 hrs. ’95 Ford van had lock punched and numerous tools stolen from inside. Two box trucks had rear padlocks cut off. Nothing missing out of one; the second had a saw and heater stolen. Total stolen in excess of $3000.00.

Malicious Destruction of Property:

Benjamin, 12/14, 2030-2200 hrs. Complainant is developer of new sub. One of the homes under construction is his. He had blue paint sprayed on his house along w/some of his construction equipment two weeks ago. He cleaned it up; last night blue paint stating, “We’re Back,” was sprayed onto his house again.

First Baptist Church, 2601 John R, 12/14, 1930-2030 hrs. ’05 Chrysler PT Cruiser had ragtop style roof ripped.

Minors and Alcohol:

Grandmother and mother of 17-year-old male from Troy brought him to the station and reported they found him passed out, drunk in the basement the night before. They turned in one full and one empty 40oz. bottle of beer they found on the table next to him. They also found an empty cigarette package next to him, which contained 18 pills. The officer contacted Poison Control and discovered the pills were a generic form of Valium. Possible charges pending for MIP and Possession of Narcotics.

Phone Calls/Harassment/Threats:

Representatives from a local office reported a 29-year-old male ex-employee entered the office and demanded the telephone number for Human Resources. Complaints reported the subject made threats, and was asked to leave. As he did, suspect picked up an office chair and threw it striking two employees and damaging the chair and a ceiling tile. No injuries were sustained. Officers contacted the subject who came to the police station and stated he went to the office regarding a paycheck he was owed when a company representative swore at him and directed another employee to “crack his (subject’s) head.” He claimed as the individual moved toward him in an offensive manner, he threw the chair in self-defense and left.

Kan Zaman Restaurant, Oakland Mall, 412 W. 14 Mile, 12/16, 1545 hrs. Officers were summoned to a report of a dispute between restaurant personnel and a 62-year-old male from Detroit who was reportedly armed with a handgun. The 62 year old was located and told officers that after using the restaurant’s restroom, he was approached by a female employee and asked if he needed help. He told her no, and explained he was just using the restroom. He stated she became irate and advised him it was private. He stated he apologized and after continued discussion offered to pay for its use. He stated she became even more excited and began yelling at him. He stated at that point the restaurant owner joined the conversation, during which the owner stuck out his chest, and bumped into him twice. He stated a second male employee approached, grabbed his shoulder, and pulled him back. He stated at that point he felt a physical confrontation was imminent. He stated he is a retired police officer from the area, not Troy, and advised the subjects of that fact, as well as the fact that he was armed. He stated this appeared to have no impact on their aggressive demeanor, so he removed his handgun from its holster, placed it behind his back and retreated. The two males followed and called police. When officers attempted to speak with the restaurant owner, he advised he was too busy and refused to speak with them. Officers were advised by mall security that they took a similar complaint in the past from a female that someone from the restaurant grabbed her when she also used their restroom. Officers suggested the restaurant post a sign indicating the restroom was for patrons only. The owner advised them he would not do that. The 62 year old didn’t want to press charges for being assaulted. There was no evidence he threatened anyone with his weapon. He was advised that restaurant management banned him from returning.

Mr. Allan’s, 348 W. 14 Mile, 12/11, 1920 hrs. Store manager reported he had set up a discount night for employees and their families to shop after the store closed. A 19-year-old female employee ended her shift at 1900 hrs. and her family and friends arrived to shop. Manager stated he explained to her that she could shop for them and select items, but they’d have to wait until after closing to make the purchases and obtain the discounts. Apparently the employee and her mother became upset and began directing obscenities at the manager. When he asked them to leave, the employee became even louder, directing more obscenities at him, and spit at him. A friend of the employee pulled her away, and the party left. He advised officers she would be terminated.

Retail Fraud:

Wal-Mart, 2001 W. Maple, 12/16, 2133 hrs. LPO’s observed suspect conceal a video game in his coat. Suspect entered the restroom, removed the disk from its packaging, and hid the empty case behind the toilet. Suspect proceeded to walk around the store, handling and discarding numerous items. He entered the cash line, made a purchase, and then left. He was detained to investigate the whereabouts of the missing game disk. He claimed no knowledge of it; stating if it was located on his person, someone else would have placed it there. The disk was not located; subject released.

Kohl’s, 500 John R, 12/19, 1512 hrs. LPO reported suspect described as a W/M, 25 years, 6-0, 170, short black hair, wearing a dark colored coat with “USA” on the back entered the store, selected 5 Game Boy Advance video games, and left w/out paying. He was last seen entering the rear passenger side door of a silver Ford Taurus, which was waiting directly outside the exit doors. Total stolen: $649.95

World Market, 560 John R, 12/18, 1820-1840 hrs. Store representative reported observing a young female near a bracelet display. The female removed several packets of bracelets valued at $5.99 each and left the store w/out paying. The female entered an ’03 Grand AM that registered out of Sterling Hgts. Officers responded to that address where it was learned that the suspect is 14 years old. She and her mother had been shopping in the store. When they returned to the car, the youth told her mother she forgot her school ID, ran in, and then returned to the car. The mother stated she thought her daughter was acting strange when she got back in the car. When she confronted her daughter about the alleged theft, her daughter admitted stealing two bracelets. She turned them over to her mother. Case TOT Juvenile Unit for possible prosecution.

Robberies:

Zoups, 2873 W. maple, 12/18, 1808 hrs. Complainant reported a male, possibly in his mid to late 20’s, 5-8, 145, wearing a black jacket, white shirt, dark colored cargo pants, white shoes, dark colored gloves, and a dark ski-mask robbed the restaurant using a silver semi-automatic handgun. The restaurant was closed at the time. One of the employees had opened the rear door to dispose of trash. Another employee was standing by the rear door to let that employee back in. When the employee arrived at the rear door, the employee knocked to gain re-entry. The employee standing by inside opened the door. At that point the suspect approached and ordered both back inside the restaurant at gunpoint. He ordered a third employee that was inside to lie on the floor. He obtained an undisclosed amount of money from the cash drawer located on the safe.

Suspicious Incidents:

Troy Marriott, 200 W. Big Beaver, 12/15, 0130 hrs. Business representative reported unknown male out on foot near storage area where empty/returnable bottles are stored; possibly stealing returnable bottles / cans. Responding officers stopped the 28-year-old male from Waterford. He was driving a ’91 blue Mercury Marquis. When asked what he was doing, he stated he was visiting a friend at the hotel. When asked for the friend’s name and/or room number, he replied he couldn’t remember. A large empty plastic bag was spread out over the back seat, as if prepared to carry away empties. A small amount of marijuana was observed on the dashboard and an additional small amount was located in his glove box. It was confiscated. He was warned not to return to the property by management or be arrested for trespassing. He was released.

Welfare Checks:

Troy Officers responded to 4 incidents involving individuals experiencing emotional/psychological difficulties and assisted w/transport to the hospital for evaluation/commitment.

Maple and John R, 12/13, 1540 hrs. Cell phone caller reported ’96 Buick swerving all over the roadway. Officer located it attempted to stop it. It continued driving, swerving and striking the curb. With the assistance of additional police cars, it was surrounded and brought to a stop. Investigation revealed the 41-year-old male driver from Clinton Twp. was in diabetic shock. Medical treatment arranged.

Miscellaneous Information:

Marshall Field’s, 2750 W. Big Beaver, 12/16, 1200-1300 hrs. Complainant stated she was trying on clothes during which she believes she lost a diamond necklace valued at $40,000.00.

Arrest Summary:

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

Domestic Assault: 1

Retail Fraud: 13

Drove While License Suspended: 5

Warrants: 8

Drunk Driving: 3 (One of the three was an 18-year-old male from Clinton Twp. who blew .15 on a breath test.)

Operate Under the Influence of Marijuana: 1

Possession of Marijuana: 1