Residents are invited to a public town hall meeting on Monday, where Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard will discuss how organized theft groups have been targeting upscale homes and share tips on how to protect against them.
The event is set for May 13 at 7 p.m. at Christ Church Cranbrook, 470 Church Rd. in Bloomfield Hills. There’s no fee to attend, but you’re encouraged to RSVP by emailing [email protected].
“One of the best ways to prevent yourself from becoming a crime victim is to stay aware of your surroundings and learn ways to better protect yourself and your family,” Bouchard said in a news release. “This town hall will focus on providing that information.”
Joining Bouchard at the meeting will be Bloomfield Township Police Chief James Gallagher and Bloomfield Hills Public Safety Director Tom Van Simaeys.
According to earlier reports, a network of skilled and well-equipped thieves has been breaking into homes in upscale neighborhoods across Oakland County and other parts of southeast Michigan in recent months. The break-ins often occur at homes that back up to wooded or secluded areas, typically when the homeowners are not around. The sheriff’s office has indicated that the thieves are after cash, jewelry, high-end clothing, and more. Many of these break-ins seem to be connected to a Chilean crime ring.
Last year, Bouchard launched SEMCAP — Southeast Michigan Capture/Arrest/Prosecute — a task force comprising over 20 federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, aimed at tackling high-end home burglaries in Oakland County. So far, millions of dollars in cash and other valuables have been reported stolen.
