FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. – The past two weeks have seen an uptick in an especially frightening and dangerous crime in Farmington Hills.
"It's the kind of stuff that's not supposed to happen in a town like Farmington Hills," said Farmington Hills Police Commander Mike Ciaramitaro. "Armed robbers breaking down doors in the early morning hours and stealing jewelry."
The first reports came Nov. 29 at the Citation Club apartments off 13 Mile Road. Thieves struck again the next night at the Roll Crest apartments off 12 Mile Road. They were at it again overnight Sunday and into Monday morning at the Timber Ridge Court apartments.
The two thieves know exactly what they're looking for, and in the third incident, they made their move on a woman living alone, police said.
"The people are breaking into homes while people are sleeping, and that's something, as a police agency in a community, that puts a community in fear," Ciaramitaro said. "We want to assure our residents we are investigating this thoroughly."
Police said thieves are getting into secured hallways and then blasting down the interior doors while people sleep.
The thieves are described as black men -- one 5 feet 8 inches tall and the other 5 feet 11 inches tall and brandishing a silver handgun. They were reportedly driving a 2008 or 2009 dark-colored Chevy Malibu. Police said the men demand purses and jewelry from victims.
Police said it's possible the thieves are watching purchases or that they know the victims and are specifically asking for items.
Ciaramitaro said it's nice to have flashy jewelry, but it's best to be discreet.
"If you have these things, it's nice to show them to friends and family and out and about, but always be aware of your surrounds," Ciaramitaro said. "Be aware of what's on display or what you're wearing, if you have a beautiful purse or if you have high-end jewelry."
Police said nobody has been hurt in the incidents, likely because they're giving up the items demanded by the thieves.
Farmington Hills police said they are stepping up overnight patrols in the area, and they are working with other local police departments to see if they've seen similar crimes.
Anyone who has information is asked to call Farmington Hills police.
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