Cousins arrested in connection with rash of SE Michigan break-ins

Police say suspects were seen carrying out stolen items from home

From left: Richard Rhodes and Michael Rhodes

PLYMOUTH TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Two cousins have been arrested in connection with a rash of home break-ins and thefts from cars in several southeast Michigan communities.

Plymouth Township police said its department had been investigating the crimes over the last several months, which often happened during the daytime while homeowners were away.

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Previous report: Rash of daytime break-ins reported in Plymouth Township

Most recently, police said a home on Governor Bradford Road and a home in Canton Township were both broken into and ransacked on Sept. 8.

Through their investigation into those break-ins, detectives said they were able to identify two suspects. A task force was assigned to do surveillance on the suspects and spotted them driving a black Chevy pickup truck to several pawn shops, where they tried to sell jewelry and other items thought to have been stolen during the break-ins.

The suspects were also followed into a Farmington Hills neighborhood, where they appeared knocked on several doors until they found an unoccupied one, police said. The suspects were subsequently seen carrying stuff out of the home, including a large television, and putting it in their truck.

The suspects -- Michael Rhodes, 24, of Northville Township, and Richard Rhodes, 19, of Canton Township -- were arrested at a nearby gas station on home invasion charges.

Detectives from Canton Township, Farmington Hills and Livonia said the suspects have been linked to other break-ins over the last few months in their communities.