Burglaries Continue in Grosse Pointe Shores, Woods

The investigation into a series of burglaries in Grosse Pointe Shores and in Grosse Pointe Woods continues as the list of victims grows. Fingerprint and handprint evidence gathered at the most recently burglarized homes have been sent to the Michigan State Police crime lab.

As detectives await the results, which could take a while, they are urging residents in the pair of neighboring cities to be aware of what's happening next door and to report anything suspicious immediately.

Detective Lt. Scott Rohr said the key factor in reporting suspicious circumstances is time. Reports made immediately allow officers to potentially interrupt the suspicious activity and determine what exactly is happening, whereas waiting to report something or someone as suspicious will only prevent officers from determining any answers, he explained.

In the two most recent burglaries, both in Grosse Pointe Woods March 8 and 16, multiple windows were broken and even screens on second floor windows had been slashed in an effort to enter the house through that window, according to police reports.

In all of the cases, pillow cases have been taken during the crime and are believed to be used to tote away the stolen goods, which has generally included jewelry and other small items such as electronics that can be easily removed and concealed.

In many of the cases, residents have been out of town and there have been a variety of signs letting passersby know as much, such as unshoveled driveways, piled up newspapers or flyers and no lights on in the houses.

Rohr said turning on lights, even if out of town, is a good deterrant.

The burglaries began in January in Grosse Pointe Shores. They've continued in the Shores and in the Woods. In two of the most recent cases, vehicles were also stolen, which is a change from the beginning.

One of those--a GMC Sierra pickup truck--was found this weekend in Detroit, Woods Detective Sgt. Raymond Yonkowski. Officers spotted the truck parked near 7 Mile and Conant streets, he said, noting it has been impounded and will be searched for evidence.

In addition to changes in the type of theft, the most recent burglary happened while the homeowners were simply away from the house for a few hours rather than on an extended leave. 

Yonkowski said despite interviews with neighbors, no one heard anything, which is surprising considering how much glass is being broken.

All of the burglaries have happened on a Friday or a Saturday, which is another interesting element in the case, Rohr said.

Residents are urged to call 911 to report suspicious circumstances and are asked to do so immediately, which Rohr said is the biggest way the community can help in the investigation.

In addition to the fingerprints and handprint, other evidence and random personal belongings have been left behind at various scenes.