Trio of Alleged Black Friday Thieves Sought by New Baltimore Police

New Baltimore police said Tuesday they are searching for three women suspected of stealing a purse from a local store employee and charging more than $3,000 in goods on Black Friday.

The women allegedly assumed the identity of a Ditto Consignments & Design worker after her purse had been stolen while working on Green Street during the busiest retail day of the year. She reported an undisclosed amount of cash, personal information and four credit cards were inside the missing purse, according to police.

When notifying her credit card companies, the victim learned her four cards had been used at Meijer on 26 Mile and Interstate 94 and Kmart in Richmond, with more than $3,000 in fraudulent purchases and attempt purchases, police said.

Detectives obtained surveillance footage from the stores, which showed three women allegedly committing the fraud. The victim was unable to identify the suspects, police said.

Police gave the women's descriptions as:

• A black female, approximately 28-35 years old, standing 5’6 who was wearing a pink winter hat with a blue coat, white T-shirt and blue jeans.
• A black female, approximately 30-40 years old, 5'0, with long black hair, wearing a black winter coat with a white T-shirt.
• A white female, approximately 25-30 years old, 5’6 with brown hair, wearing a black jacket with a gray T-shirt.

The vehicle of interest, captured on the video images, is a 2003 to 2010 silver Chevrolet Trailer Blazer with a sunroof.

Shopping safety tips

New Baltimore police Chief Tim Wiley said Tuesday retail employees and shoppers should take various precautions during the holiday season and throughout the year.

• Businesses are advised to keep their employee entrances locked.
• Employees should stow away personal belongings in safe, secured areas.
• Shoppers should be aware of their surroundings in and outside the store, shop in pairs or groups and keep their wallets, purses and cash close to them.
• Social media users should wait until after their outings to post where they were, as opposed to giving away their location in real time.

Anyone with information about the fraud is asked to call New Baltimore Police Department at (586)-725-2181 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAKUP (1-800-773-2587).