Two Weeks Before Scheduled Closing, American Pop Gets Til Tapped by Thieves
(Crystal A. Proxmire, 3/16/2011)
As American Pop! (175 W. 9 Mile) prepares for their final Going out of Business Sale, the struggling novelty and collectibles store has been hit with another blow to the business. On Tuesday, March 15, three thieves orchestrated a “til tap” operation on an unsuspecting clerk, clearing the register of over $300.
The men, three black males in their 20s, entered the store at around 6pm. According to store owner Wyll Lewis, one of the men asked the clerk to look at an item in the back of the store that required a ladder to reach. The clerk, who was working alone, left the register unattended.
“They had my employee get up on the ladder to get an item for them. While the one guy kept them distracted, the other two figured out what buttons to push and cleaned out the cash register,” Lewis said.
The clerk said they had no idea anything bad was going on. “No one was hurt, and nothing was done by force,” they said. “But yeah, I’m still shook up by it. You never know what can happen.”
The clerk called the Ferndale Police, but the perpetrators were gone before the clerk even noticed the money was missing. If caught, the three could be charged with larceny from a building, in a crime that officers unofficially refer to as “til tapping.”
American Pop! was victimized by thieves just over a week ago when someone attempted to cut off the chain securing the store’s famous quarter-ride mechanical pony. Though they weren’t able to make off with the heavy ride, they did steal two giant vintage candy canes.
American Pop! will have it’s final sale day on April 1, 2011 when he will host his Going Out of Sale Bash. Wolfman Mac will be on hand to sign autographs and meet fans, and everything in the store will be 75% off starting at 8pm. The party, and sale, will go until Midnight, when American Pop! will close it’s doors in Ferndale forever. The store has collectibles both vintage and more modern, as well as unique artwork, toys, games, pranks, candy and other fun items.
Lewis says he is not sure what the future holds, but most likely he will open up in Detroit near Wayne State University. Anyone with information about Tuesday night’s larceny can call the Ferndale Police Department at 248-541-3650.
