WEST BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (May 16, 2014) — Friday afternoon, law enforcement from both sides of the state, along with the FBI, shared some of what they know.
The press conference was held at the FBI building in Downtown Detroit.
Investigators said there’s a high degree of certainty that what happened at Medawar Jewelers in Plainfield Township is connected to what happened at Tapper’s Jewelers in West Bloomfield Township.
Investigators said it’s difficult to say how many people were involved with both of robberies (including possible lookouts.
The robberies occurred five hours apart on April 22nd.
Investigators said they were able to connect the robberies because of the techniques used, one of the vehicles involved, and the suspects’ clothing. During both robberies, the men targeted Rolex watches. FOX 17 learned the Rolex brand is only sold in 16 stores in Michigan. The thieves got away with several watches which are worth several thousand dollars each.
Police provided several pictures from the Tapper’s robbery. Four of the photos are new and show a number of men seen hanging around Orchard Mall around the time of the robbery. Investigators believe the guys were scoping things out. At the same time, detectives said there is a chance that some of the men in the photos have nothing to do with the heist.
The men were seen getting into and out of three vehicles, including a white Volkswagon Passat and a black Chevy Equinox. A black Chrysler Town and Country has been linked to both robberies.
“We believe that there are people out there that can help us with this investigation,” Paul Abbate, FBI special agent said.
“We do have a great concern for what may happen in the future. Again, we’re concerned for the escalation of violence that could occur with armed individuals doing forcible robberies,” Abbate said.
Police note that these men likely made stops for food or gas on the day of the robberies, and people may have seen something. If you saw something, you’re encouraged to say something.
There is a $25,000 reward being offered to anyone who can lead police to the men responsible.
