Thieves on Cross-State Crime Spree Steal Wallet in Troy
(Troy Police Department, July 19, 2014)
Troy Police Investigators are seeking the assistance of the public to identify the above couple who are taking wallets from purses at various locations throughout Michigan (Detroit, Lansing, Grand Rapids and Holland areas). Troy victim reported her wallet was stolen from her purse while shopping at Kohl’s in Troy. The victim stated the black male suspect pictured in this report approached her and began to distract her by asking questions pertaining to his “Grandmother.” While the victim was being distracted by the black male subject, the pictured black female subject stole the victim’s wallet from her purse. Immediately after the theft the suspects used the victim’s credit cards to purchase gift cards at various merchants including Target and Best Buy. These gift cards are then used to purchase computers and other electronic devices.
Further investigation has revealed this distraction crew was on a “crime spree” throughout the state of Michigan on the dates 07/05/2014 thru 07/08/2014. Fraudulent transactions tied to this group have been identified in multiple cities in the Detroit area, Lansing area, Grand Rapids area and Holland Michigan.
The suspect vehicle is a red sedan possibly a Pontiac Grand Prix. The female suspect appears to be wearing hospital scrubs (light blue and black) during these thefts. The black male suspect is possibly in his late forties. A third suspect (driver to the vehicle) is described as a bald black male.
If anyone has information on the identity of the suspects please contact Detective Todd Gustke, (248) 680-7283 or the Troy Police Anonymous Tip Line at: (248) 524-0777.
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