Landscape Employee Suspected in Home Invasion; Cash Theft at Muslim Unity Center

Bloomfield Township

Bloomfield Township police are investigating the theft of jewelry, cash and other belongings from a home that was briefly left unattended as a lawn crew worked nearby, reports said.

Officers responded to the 6000 block of Timber Ridge at about 9 a.m. on Sept. 20 after homeowners reported the items were taken while they were away from the property for about 40 minutes. The homeowners said a lawn care crew was working in the area at the time and was still in the vicinity.

Detectives were called to the scene and interviewed the lawn care crew, who helped them determine that one employee put down his tools and walked toward the rear of the home, reports said. That employee left the crew to go home early, but left his lunch bag behind. Authorities said they found the missing cash and jewelry in the bag, and they are attempting to make contact with the employee.

Police also investigated a home invasion in the 6000 block of Lahser Road on Sept. 26, reports said. The homeowner returned during the day and said she found an unexpected work truck in their driveway. A stranger appeared and told her that he was doing yard work for a neighbor and was ready to leave. After he left, the woman discovered pieces of jewelry were missing. Reports did not indicate any signs of any forced entry, but detectives were assigned to try and locate the man and vehicle. Physical descriptions were not made available.

Larceny

A jug containing cash and coin currency that was intended for donation was stolen from the Muslim Unity Center, reports said. Officers responded to the facility on Sept. 24 after members reported the jug was stolen. Surveillance video shows a man described as 'homeless' entered the center and took the unsecured jug before leaving.

Employees at the center told police they are familiar with the suspect and are trying to help locate him for authorities. No dollar value of stolen money was provided and it was unclear from reports what the donations were for.

Retail Fraud

The manager of the AT&T store at 42857 Woodward Ave. told police that a demo phone was taken from the business on Sept. 14, reports said. The manager called police this week after store surveillance recordings revealed the theft perpetrated by a pair of customers.

Reports said two men walked into the store together, and while one spoke with the salesperson, the other allegedly took the phone from the kiosk and put it in his pocket before leaving. No suspect information was made available.

Anyone with information on any of the incidents listed here should call the department at 248-433-7752.

Bloomfield Hills

Officials with the Bloomfield Hills Department of Public Safety reported no major police or fire related incidents during the week.

For questions about this blotter, email Art.Aisner@Patch.com.