Police Seek Tips To Catch "Mad Hatters"
STERLING HEIGHTS (WWJ) - They have been dubbed the "Mad Hatters." Sterling Heights police are on the hunt for a group of middle-aged to elderly women who've been stealing the identities of other women over the past year.
Lt. Luke Riley told WWJ Newsradio 950 the women don hats, then steal credit cards and checks from other female shoppers, and use them to get cash and buy merchandise.
- VIEW MORE SUSPECT PHOTOS - (Provided by Sterling Heights Police)
"In a number of photographs, some have sunglasses on, some don't. I don't know what their thought process is behind wearing the hats," Riley said, adding that this is a somewhat unusual case.
"After a long time in law enforcement, you think you just about hear everything. This is a little different, sure," he said.
Riley admits the women's age may be helping them to get away with it.
"If there's anybody, any profile in society that people give a little more leeway and have a little more trust for, it's probably somebody that fits their profile," he said.
Investigators believe the women have stolen up to $500,000 in total. They are now looking for the public's help in identifying the suspects.
Anyone who has any information or who recognizes the women in these photos is asked to contact Sterling Heights Police at (586) 446-2800.
