TROY (WWJ) - The Troy Police Department said to took a special team of officers from across several police agencies -- and a lot of patience -- to catch those allegedly responsible for at least half a dozen jewelry store thefts in Michigan and Ohio.
On Jan. 13, the Troy Special Investigations Unit (SIU) began looking into the case after Helzberg Diamonds in the Great Lakes Crossing Mall in Auburn Hills reported a robbery. According to a press released from Troy PD, three Black males wearing hoodies and surgical masks entered the store, smashed out the cases and stole several thousand dollars worth of jewelry.
The suspect vehicle involved in the incident came back was registered to a rental company and authorities were able to identify the renter. Not long after, the vehicle was returned to a Lansing location and a new car was rented out.
Nine days later, the SIU was notified of another robbery at a Kay Jewelers inside the Lansing Mall. The crime was committed in the same way as the one in Auburn Hills. Further more, the Easton County Sheriff's Office was able to determine the newly rented vehicle was the suspects' getaway car.
According to authorities, the new rental vehicle was found and SIU began surveillance. The vehicle was driven to Sterling Heights where the Sterling Heights PD, Shelby Twp. PD and Troy PD Directed Patrol Officers were asked to help with the investigation.
As police were watching, the rental car was driven to the bLakeside Mall parking lot in Sterling Heights where it circled around with another vehicle that was reported stolen out of Harper Woods back on Jan. 16.
"At approximately 2 p.m., four Black males got out of the vehicle and went inside Lakeside Mall, leaving two individuals outside," Troy PD said. "All four were wearing hoods and surgical masks. After a few minutes of scouting, the four entered the Sparkles Jewelry store near center court and immediately began smashing out cases."
The suspects grabbed what they could and took off on foot in all directions, but they were quickly caught by officers. All six suspects were taken directly to Macomb County Jail while police recovered roughly $170,000 worth of jewelry that had been stolen.
The Troy PD said the successful arrests were due to the efforts and patience of the SIU, which is comprised of officers from the Auburn Hills Police Department, Birmingham Police Department, Bloomfield Township Police Department, Royal Oak Police Department, and the Troy Police Department.
"These investigators work together in a collaborative, multi-jurisdictional unit that investigates criminal activity impacting the region," Troy PD added.
The Eaton County Sheriff's Office, the Sterling Heights Community Response Unit and the Shelby Township Police Surveillance Unit also contributed to the investigation.