Police Crime Alert

Community Services Section

CHARLES T. CRAFT

Chief of Police

500 West Big Beaver Rd.  Troy, Michigan 48084 (248) 680-7224

troypdcrimealert@ci.troy.mi.us

 

Crime Alert for period ending April 13, 2007

 

The following information was compiled before the shooting at 1301 W. Long Lake.  That incident is not included.  Updates will be released as information becomes available and will be included on next week’s crime alert.

 

 

 

 

Altercations/Disorderly Conduct:

 

Assaults:

 

Assist Other Department/Law Enforcement:

 

Auto/Vehicle Thefts:

 

Champps, 301 W. Big Beaver, 4/3, 1930-2230 hrs.

Complainant stated he parked his ’01 Lincoln Continental in the lot and later took a cab home.  When he returned the next day, the car was gone.

 

Breaking and Entries:

 

Papa Romano’s, 4056 Rochester, 4/4-4/5, 2100-0935 hrs.

Business entered apparently with a key and money taken from the cash register.  Owner found an oven on and indications someone had been eating inside.

 

Crash Investigations:

 

Credit, Check, Identity Theft, and other Fraud:

 

 

RECENT FRAUD SCAMS:

 

 

Phising e-mails

 

There have been more instances of Phising Identity Theft attempts with e-mails originating from local banks! They are becoming more sophisticated and even point out previously sent phising e-mails as if their current one is legit!   No bank or financial institution will ever request that you “re-submit your account information or social security numbers” over the phone or through e-mail.  When in doubt call the organization that the request is purportedly from with telephone numbers that you obtained through your own search methods or from legit documents that you have in hand. 

 

This recent e-mail phising attempt copied below is but one example.  Misspellings and grammatical errors left as is.

 

Dear FCU account holder,

Recently, there have been multiple e-mail fraud attempts, known as "Phishing", that were initiated via e-mail sent to both the general public and to some credit union members that appeared to be from FCU Bank. This false e-mail asked for the recipient to click on a link to verify their credit union account registration. If the recipient proceeded to do so, the link directed them to a false website and asked for their credit union account number and PIN, along with other personal information. At FCU Bank the highest interest to our customers is the safekeeping of confidential information you have entrusted to us and using it in a secure manner. A fundamental element of safeguarding your confidential information is to provide protection against unauthorized access or use of this information.

Due to all the fraud attempts we need you to complete a form, sign it and fax it back to us as soon as possible to +1-866-270-4524 so that we can improve our security measurements. As soon as our database will be updated we will contact you for further information`s and to make some important announcements so please complete the form attached to this mail with no delay.

We are committed to the secure use and protection of customer information. If you have any questions regarding our services, please check the website or call our customer service.

We apologize for any inconvenience

Best Regards,
FCU Bank

 

 

 

 

Jury duty

 

Most of us take the summons for jury duty seriously, but enough people skip out on their civic duty, that a new and ominous kind of scam has surfaced. Fall for it and your identity could be stolen, reports CBS. In this con, someone calls pretending to be a court official who threateningly says a warrant has been issued for your arrest because you didn't show up for jury duty. The caller claims to be a jury coordinator. If you protest that you never received a summons for jury duty, the scammer asks you for your Social Security number and date of birth so he or she can verify the information and cancel the arrest warrant. Sometimes they even ask for credit card numbers. Give out any of this information and …Bingo your identity has just been stolen! The scam has been reported so far in 11 states. This scam is particularly insidious because they use intimidation over the phone to try to bully people into giving information by pretending they're with the court system. The FBI and the federal court system have issued nationwide alerts on their web sites warning consumers about the fraud.

 

Other reported frauds:

Complainant reported she was contacted by T.J. Maxx regarding her credit card information being compromised as part of their on-going investigation.  Complainant discovered fraudulent purchases in her name apparently initiated from Brazil and India.

 

Neiman Marcus, 2705 W. Big Beaver, 9/3/06 and 12/2/06

LPO (Loss Prevention Officer) reported a subject who identified himself as a 30-year-old male from Mt. Morris made purchases totaling $939.16 on two occasions using checks that were returned as counterfeit.  Subject has failed to respond to their attempts to contact him and make the checks good.

 

Domestics/Family Troubles:

 

Troy Officers responded to one incident of domestic assault where suspect was already gone and investigation continues.

 

Drugs/Narcotics:

 

S/B I-75 near Maple, 4/5, 1550 hrs.

Officers stopped a ’98 green GMC Yukon for speeding and an obstructed plate.  Officers observed a small amount of marijuana on the driver’s seat and floorboard.  The 27-year-old male driver from Battle Creek was arrested.  Investigation revealed the 24-year-old male passenger from Richland, MI threw a film container with a small amount of marijuana out of the vehicle while the car was coming to a stop.  A larger film container with approximately 19 grams of marijuana was found under his seat, as was a scale, rolling papers and baggies.  He was also arrested.  A cardboard box was located in the rear of the vehicle that contained marijuana residue.  Both charged with possession of marijuana.

 

Drunk/Intoxicated Driving Incidents of Interest:

 

Embezzlements:

 

Home Invasions:

 

Larcenies:

 

Baby Gap Store, 2800 W. Big Beaver, 4/4, 1530 hrs.

Complainant came to the station to report her wallet was stolen from her stroller while shopping.  When she contacted her credit card company she discovered one of her cards was used to make a fraudulent purchase at a store in Madison Heights for $306.00.

 

Larcenies from Autos:

 

Marriott Hotel, 200 E. Big beaver, 4/1-4/5

’90 Jeep Cherokee entered by prying driver’s door; stereo stolen from dash.

 

Malicious Destruction of Property:

 

Larchwood, 4/5, 0200-2022 hrs.

Tire on Honda Pilot slashed.  The previous night the house was toilet papered and sprayed with shaving cream.

 

Minors and Alcohol:

 

Neighbor Troubles:

 

Peace Officer/Civil:

 

Phone Calls/Harassment/Threats:

 

One harassing call report taken.

 

Retail Fraud:

 

Robberies:

 

Suspicious Incidents:

 

Traffic Altercations:

 

Vandalism:

 

Weapons Offenses:

 

Welfare Checks:

 

Special Events Information:

 

Miscellaneous Information:

 

D.A.R.E. Solicitations

Be advised that a local marketing company is selling items for D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) at various locations, often in front of drug stores.  They set up portable tables and have numerous trinkets (coloring books, t-shirts, safety videos, DNA kits, etc.) for sale and they also ask for donations.  D.A.R.E. America has indicated that only 20% of sales from the items and donations actually goes to them!  The problem is that they currently do not have a required City of Troy Permit.  Please also note-Troy does not employ D.A.R.E. for our drug and alcohol prevention programs – so any donations to the solicitors will not go to local Troy based drug prevention programs!  The Troy Coalition is a well established and effective organization (See right side column) that coordinates numerous drug and alcohol prevention programs and is a major referral source.  The Troy Coalition is integrated in the Troy School District and networks throughout the community (Troy Police Department, Troy Chamber of Commerce, Troy Families for Safe Homes, Troy Youth Assistance, Street Wise Parenting and the Boys & Girls Club of Troy to mention a few) to prevent alcohol and drug abuse.  D.A.R.E is also an effective program and this notice is not to diminish their great work in some neighboring communities.  The Troy Police Department Community Services Section has DNA kits for identifying children in stock and will give them out to the community for free!  The Troy Coalition has drug-testing kits and provides them to the community for a minimal fee.

 

Case Updates:

 

Arrest Summary:

 

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

 

Domestic Assault:  1

Drunk Driving:  2  (One suspect also charged with possession of marijuana.)

Retail Fraud:  3

Drove While License Suspended:  3

Warrants:  3

 

Events & Programs

 

Please click or go to the below link for community events for the coming April 13th – April 20th Week!

 

http://www.ci.troy.mi.us/calendar/

 

 

The Troy Community Coalition is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for all who live or work in Troy, by promoting a lifestyle free from the abuse of alcohol and drugs.

Please feel free to contact any staff member for additional information or contact our office at (248) 823-5088

Troy Community Coalition 4420 Livernois Rd. Troy, MI  48098

We urge you to join us for one of our many exciting upcoming  community events.

 

 

 

Troy Rotary Raffle is helping Troy People Concerned!

TPC’s big fundraiser is being held on April 22, 2007 at LaSalle Bank, 2600 W. Big Beaver from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and we are having a raffle along with dinner to raise much-needed funds.  To obtain raffle tickets go to:

www.troyrotaryraffle.org

 

______________________________

 

The Troy Police Department offers the following free talks/seminars:

 

*  Alcohol abuse and prevention

*  Safety with Strangers

*  Home Security

*  Personal Security

*  Got Caught (Shoplifting talk for teens)

*  Choose Wisely (Right choices for teens)

*  Home alone (home personal safety for teens and children)

*  Drug and drug paraphernalia talk for adults and also teens

*  Identity Theft

*  Internet Safety for adults and also teens

*  Harassing and Bullying Prevention for children

*  Retail Fraud Prevention

*  In addition, if you or your organization has a program/discussion idea or need that a police officer can deliver please call!

 

For more information or to schedule an officer to present a program please call:

(248) 524-3464 or e-mail the crime alert at:

troypdcrimealert@ci.troy.mi.us

 

 

______________________________

 

Crime Prevention Tips

 

Larcenies from Autos / Car Theft

 

Things that can be done to combat auto theft and larcenies from autos include:

 

Ø       Installing a car alarm.

 

Ø      Using steering-wheel locking applications like the club etc.

 

Ø      Applications of a hidden kill switch to the ignition system. 

 

Ø      Park in a well lit well traveled area if possible.

 

Ø      Always maintain security of vehicle keys.

 

Ø      Do not leave anything of value in your vehicle in plain view.

 

Ø      Always lock your vehicle doors.

 

Ø      Never leave a vehicle unattended while running.

 

Ø      There is a trend of things being stolen from vehicles in the parking lots of fitness centers and fun centers. While going to these places, be extra careful to remove all items of value and secure your vehicle.

 

Retail Fraud

 

All store personnel should be trained on the store policy that deals with retail fraud (shoplifting) and how the company wants them to respond.

 

Store personnel should have the phone numbers to call readily available if they suspect retail fraud or any other crime.

A lone employee should not try to apprehend retail fraud suspects themselves.  Call your Mall Security or the Troy Police Dispatch Center at 248-524-3477 for in-progress crimes or assistance apprehending fleeing criminal suspects.

 

Surveillance video has shown that cameras that are obvious to criminals are a good deterrent to crime.  Criminals can be seen trying to hide from the camera, or dropping the merchandise they tried to steal when they spotted the camera.

 

The Troy Police offers training to store personnel on theft prevention and detection, fraud, and other retail-related crimes.  Contact the Retail Liaison at 248-524-3464 for more information.

 

“Traveler” or Door-to-Door Scam Prevention

 

1.                  If a person comes to your home offering to do an inspection of some type or tells you a repair is needed, refuse the offer!  It is most likely a scam.

2.                  Never let anyone into your home that you did not call.  All utility workers will have a picture ID.  If they do not or you have a doubt, even if they have some sort of picture ID, refuse to let them in.  In most cases, utility workers will not have to enter your home to do repairs.

3.                  Never exit your home for anyone you do not know that wants you to “see what the problem is outside the home.”  They are probably having you exit so an associate can enter the home to steal from you.

4.                  Gypsies use work type trucks/vans often with magnetic signs and out of state plates on them.

5.                  Will work/scam in an area for a short time but with multiple target homes – usually targeting seniors!

6.                  Never agree to make change for someone.  This is a popular scam used to find out where you keep your money.

7.                  Never agree to purchase left over materials from a contractor.  This is a scam.  If an offer sounds to good to be true, it is.

8.                  When answering the door, make sure the storm door is locked and do not open it unless you recognize the person.  Gypsies will frequently walk in as soon as you open the door and begin their distraction techniques.

9.                  Keep your doors locked – Even when you are out in the yard working.

10.              If you have any doubts call the Troy Police Department immediately at “911.” 

 

 

______________________________

Whether you need
a rose,
a hose,
clothes,
or someone to clean your carpets,
the Troy Chamber of Commerce probably has a member to help you! Visit the Business Directory anytime at:     www.troychamber.com

Click here to view the Troy Chamber's new eNewsletter geared toward residents. Included you will find everything from discount offers on pizzas to gym memberships and upcoming events presented by Troy Chamber member businesses. To sign-up to receive it automatically on a bi-monthly basis, please e-mail: deb@troychamber.com or call 248.641.1606.

theteam@troychamber.com

 

TROY RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES:

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