Crime & Safety
Police: 2 Men Accused of Stealing at Home Depot
The following arrest information was supplied by the Utica Police Department. It does not indicate a conviction.
On two separate occasions in the past week, suspected thieves have admitted to stealing in order to support their drug habit, Utica police said.
When a 34-year-old Wixom man arrested at the Utica Home Depot on suspicion of stealing copper plumbing parts last Thursday, police found an old sock with a needle and spoon in the man’s pocket and a small packet or heroin.
Police said the man, who was stopped before he exited the store, had the merchandise in his pocket, but didn’t have a wallet or money on him.
Find out what's happening in Shelby-Uticawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
He was arrested on charges of retail fraud third degree.
On Wednesday evening, a Utica police officer stopped a 26-year-old St. Clair Shores man exiting the Home Depot because the officer said the man was wearing a wool jacket, which was unusual for the warm temperature, and his pant pockets looked full, according to a police report.
Find out what's happening in Shelby-Uticawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Police found the man had 11 copper plumbing fittings, valued at $176, in his pockets. The man did not have a wallet or cash on him.
According to the police report, the officer instantly noticed tracks on the man’s hands, indicating he was an intravenous drug user. He was arrested and charged with third-degree retail fraud.
He later admitted that his girlfriend was waiting at Hall Road and Northpointe streets for him to come out of the store. When police caught up with the woman, she too had track marks on her hands and arms and admitted she was planning on returning the items her boyfriend stole in exchange for store credit or cash.
Police found a receipt form March 7 at the Sterling Heights Home Depot for $247 in returned copper rings on her. The woman told police they were paid by another man to steal the items and return them in exchange for cash or store credit.
Utica Police Chief Dave Faber said he has seen an influx in retail fraud in the past year, and in many cases, the thieves are stealing to feed their drug habit.
Anyone with questions about this police blotter can contact Marina.Cracchiolo@patch.com.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.