OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. – Two Oakland County police agencies are investigating after thieves used distraction tactics to steal jewelry from two victims in separate thefts this month.
Here’s what happened in both schemes:
$12K Rolex stolen at Bloomfield Township gas station
On Saturday, May 3, Bloomfield Township officers responded to a report of a theft at the Mobil gas station at 1501 South Opdyke Road.
When they arrived, the victim told them that while he was pumping gas, a man driving a newer model silver hatchback/wagon type of vehicle pulled into the gas station.
The man allegedly walked up to the victim, gave him a handful of jewelry and a $20 bill, and said, “Jesus wants you to have this stuff.”
After that, the man went back to his vehicle. The victim followed him and tried to return the items that he was just handed.
“The male refused to take the items back, so the victim reached inside the car, through his open window, and tried to hand them back,” according to Bloomfield Township police. “The man still refused to take the items back and left the scene.”
A short time after this, the victim realized that his gold Rolex wasn’t on his wrist anymore. The watch is valued at $12,773.00, according to police.
The suspect was described as a 50-year-old man who was 5 feet 9 inches tall, with a skinny/medium build and dark-colored hair.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Bloomfield Township Police Department at 248-433-7755.
A similar pickpocketing incident happened in Troy.
Gold bracelet stolen from man’s wrist at Troy grocery store
This theft happened at 1:48 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, at the Paradise Fruit Market at 2927 East Big Beaver Road.
Police say the victim told them a man and a woman walked up to him in the store’s parking lot.
The man allegedly told the victim that he looked like his dad and tried to give him fake gold chains.
The victim told him he didn’t want anything.
After that, the man started kissing his hand before they left the area.
The suspect then realized his real gold bracelet was missing from his wrist.
Anyone with information can contact Troy police at 248-524-0777.