Residents are being warned to keep their doors locked and not welcome strangers into their homes following a series of scams involving area seniors.
Police in Novi say a diversion tactic called a "Gypsy Scam" was used several times in November to get into the homes of residents to steal valuables. Investigators say older adults were approached at their homes and engaged in a conversation with a woman who used various stories to gain their trust. Once inside, the woman distracts the homeowner while a man sneaks inside and steals things such as jewelry and cash.
Novi Director of Public Safety David E. Molloy said, "In this case, we are asking everyone to have a watchful eye on our older citizens, especially those living alone, and encourage anyone observing suspicious activity to call the Novi Police Department immediately."
The woman is described as being approximately 5'3 tall, between 30-40 years of age, heavy-set build with a round face, dark, collar length hair. The male suspect is approximately 6' tall, thin build with short dark hair. They were seen driving a white Ford Edge or Explorer.
Anyone with information regarding these or similar incidents is encouraged to Novi police at: 248-348-7100.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 3:43 PM EDT2013-05-21 19:43:35 GMT
Brian Woehlke and his family
All funds collected will be donated to the Westland Fire Fighters Charity's fund for the family of fallen firefighter Brian Woehlke, who passed away while battling a Westland fire on May 8.
All funds collected will be donated to the Westland Fire Fighters Charity's fund for the family of fallen firefighter Brian Woehlke, who passed away while battling a Westland fire on May 8.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 2:12 PM EDT2013-05-21 18:12:17 GMT
An attorney for a former Michigan Supreme Court justice says community service would be an appropriate sentence for a scandal that forced her out of office.
An attorney for a former Michigan Supreme Court justice says community service would be an appropriate sentence for a scandal that forced her out of office.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 12:01 PM EDT2013-05-21 16:01:58 GMT
The American Red Cross is working in a variety of ways and from several different areas of the country to help the victims of the tornadoes which struck in the nation's heartland.
The American Red Cross is working in a variety of ways and from several different areas of the country to help the victims of the tornadoes which struck in the nation's heartland.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 11:48 AM EDT2013-05-21 15:48:16 GMT
Weather Authority Ben Bailey says the humidity has dropped since earlier this morning but the risk of severe weather still exists Tuesday throughout southeast Michigan.
Weather Authority Ben Bailey says the humidity has dropped since earlier this morning but the risk of severe weather still exists Tuesday throughout southeast Michigan.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 11:31 AM EDT2013-05-21 15:31:20 GMT
As people struggle to pick up the pieces in the areas of Oklahoma ravaged by tornadoes, we've learned some relief will be coming from right here in Michigan.
As people struggle to pick up the pieces in the areas of Oklahoma ravaged by tornadoes, we've learned some relief will be coming from right here in Michigan.
