Ferndale Police Searching for Man who Stole from Staff Area at Bobcat Bonnie’s
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Jan. 5, 2019)
Ferndale, MI – A man claiming to work for the City conned his way into Bobcat Bonnie’s back room, where he was caught on security camera going through staff coats and purses and stealing money he found inside.
Owner Matthew Buskard said the man was very convincing when he came to the restaurant just after 6pm Friday.  “The one thing to push- is he is saying he works with the city. He had questions about the garbage and overflowing mail for the apartments above us- and I gave him our landlord’s information,” Buskard said.
Cameras in the back room show the man, but not a clear view of his face. Buskard is hoping the police will find his image on other cameras in the area.  He replaced the missing cash for the staff, and is hoping the culprit gets caught before stealing in other businesses.  He praised Ferndale Police for their helpfulness.
“To say they’ve been responsive and helpful would be an understatement. They’ve been outstanding. That’s why when he introduced himself as being a part of the city- we just let him in because every person we’ve dealt with so far down here has been really awesome and helpful with us,” Buskard said.
Anyone with information about the theft is asked to contact Ferndale Police at (248) 541-3650.
Bobcat Bonnie’s opened earlier this year at 240 W. 9 Mile Road in Downtown Ferndale.  They also have a location in Wyandotte.  Check out a Reporter Food column featuring a couple of their meals here.
UPDATE:  Baron Brown of the Ferndale Police Department said this is the only business he knows of that was targeted.  “I would tell our business community to always use an abundance of caution when encountering someone who claims to be a city or utility company employee. Ask identification. Verify identity by contacting the city or company service department. Feel free accompanying anyone performing service or an inspection. Please call Ferndale Police @ 248-541-3650 if in doubt or 911 if you feel you’re in danger. Generally, City staff will not conduct inspections or service visits without prior notification, won’t slide in the employee entrance unannounced, and will check-in with an employee before moving about a property,” Brown said.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.