Crime Blotter: Police Say Three Men Caught Stealing Thousands in Armor Plates

Scrapping Suspects Caught Covered in Rust

Three men are facing larceny charges after police said they caught them stealing approximately $15,000 in materials from a Chesterfield Township metal-fabrication manufacturer.

The suspects—a 27-year-old Detroit resident, 30-year-old Mount Clemens resident and 34-year-old Harrison Township resident—are accused of lifting expensive armor plates from ProTech Laser. The industrial business that supplies to the defense and automotive markets is at 46340 Continental Drive, which is on the same street as the .

Around 9:50 p.m. Oct. 23, a township officer was patrolling in the Sugarbush Road area when he spotted the men inside a truck leaving ProTech's parking lot. The officer noted that "the vehicle appeared to be heavily loaded due to the rear leaf springs being bottomed out and the tire side walls were bulging and almost flat," the police report stated.

Police determined that the company's fence had been broken and scrap was stolen from the property.

One suspect, who fled on foot, was later identified as someone on parole for a previous, undisclosed crime. The other two men were brought to the police station. Although one of the men told police he was just a passenger who had nothing to do with the theft, his shirt was covered in debris consistent with what's found on armor plates.

A total of 60 plates, weighing approximately 3,000 pounds, were recovered from the truck, police said.

Woman Accused of Concealing Stolen Candy on Child

A 42-year-old Chesterfield Township woman hid five chocolate candy bars in her 6-year-old child's coat sleeve and stole other items in late October while inside , police said.

The woman is facing a retail theft charge for taking the candy bars, one pair of shoes and one shirt with a total value of $47.74, police said.

She allegedly stuffed the shoes and shirt in another department store bag before leaving Kohl's on Gratiot near 23 Mile. A loss preventions officer stopped her soon after, police said.

Stolen Cell Phone in Suspected Thief's Pocket Rings Alarms for Security

A 17-year-old Fraser man cut an AT&T cell from packaging Halloween afternoon at on 23 Mile and Gratiot and attempted to leave the store without paying for it, police said. 

The phone valued at $179.99 was hidden in the suspect's jean pockets. He was taken to the police station, where he was booked on a retail theft charge, police said.

For questions on this crime blotter, contact christy.arboscello@patch.com.