Farmington Hills Police Warn Of Thieves Breaking Into Cars At Area Parks
FARMINGTON HILLS (WWJ) - Don't leave valuables in your car.
Police in Farmington Hills are putting out that warning to residents following a rash of thefts from vehicles parked at public parks in the city.
Police said, in multiple cases, thieves took items — mostly purses and gym bags — that were left in plain sight. Car windows were broken to gain entry.
Farmington Hills police believe the crimes are related to similar ones in Farmington Hills and around Metro Detroit over the past few years that were committed by members of "Felony Lane Gang" — an interstate theft and fraud ring.
Police say members of the group also commit fraud by taking stolen credit cards, checks, and identification to banks to withdraw money.
Investigators are looking for a man driving a maroon Jeep Cherokee in connection with one specific incident this past Saturday afternoon at Heritage Park, on Farmington Road south of 11 Mile Road .
He's described as a black male with a goatee and was last seen wearing a red shirt. Anyone with information is asked to call police. The Jeep didn't have a license plate.
H.E.A.T. (Help Eliminate Auto Thefts) encourages anyone with information on suspicious or criminal auto theft or break-in-related activity in their community contact local police immediately, and then report the tip to H.E.A.T. at 1-800-242-HEAT or www.miheat.org.