At least 25 restaurants were burglarized this week in Oakland and Macomb counties.
Several incidents happened in Troy between Wednesday evening and Friday morning, said Troy Police spokesman Sgt. Benjamin Hancock.
Police in Southfield, Farmington Hills, Shelby Township and Sterling Heights are investigating similar incidents with the same vehicle, he said.
“It’s the same suspect vehicle seen on the surveillance video, either a black or dark blue Dodge Durango that doesn’t have a license plate,” he said.
Sterling Heights Police Capt. Mario Bastianelli said officers were dispatched Thursday night to the Shell gas station at 39600 Van Dyke Ave. at the corner of Plumbrook Road on a report of a burglary. Officers pursued a black Durango south on Utica Road but ended the pursuit at 14 Mile Road when the vehicle crossed into Warren.
Bastianelli said they are looking for three suspects and that other businesses in the area were hit by the same crew.
Hancock also said there are multiple suspects.
They were “all dressed in dark clothing, covered head to toe. They’re going after cash registers and safes, either prying them open or taking them,” he said.
On Wednesday night, thieves broke into the Maple Leaf Restaurant, 110 W. Maple Road near Livernois Road; Chipotle Mexican Grill, 3129 Crooks Road near Wilshire Drive; The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill and Catering, 708 W. Big Beaver Road; Stoney River Steakhouse and Grill, 155 W. Big Beaver Road; and Kona Grill, 30 E. Big Beaver Road.
Thursday night or early Friday morning, the thieves broke into Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews, 5460 Corporate Drive.
Investigators checked other area restaurants and found attempted break-ins at Shake Shack, 850 W. Big Beaver Road near Wilshire Drive and Carrabba’s, 600 W. Big Beaver Road.
“There were no alarms related to those attempts but surveillance video had the same Dodge Durango,” Hancock said, adding that they are using a crowbar to get into the restaurants, cash registers and safes.
Detectives were still compiling the total value of the thefts on Friday as they investigated the burglaries and coordinated with other departments. Police hope someone recognizes the vehicle but warns not to engage with the vehicle or anyone inside.
“Contact 911 and don’t interact with the vehicle. Give the dispatcher the best location or description of where you’re at and where the vehicle is headed,” Hancock said.
He said the thieves do not appear to be part of a transnational gang and are likely local to southeast Michigan.
“Sometimes groups of people get this bright idea in their heads to do this – but they’ll get caught,” he said. “I’m very confident they’ll get caught.”
He said Troy’s special investigation unit, which includes detectives from Birmingham, Royal Oak, Bloomfield Township and Auburn Hills are among those gathering evidence on the incidents. Detectives in most cities keep in touch with one another, which helps in cases like this one he said.
“I’m sure they’re talking and sharing information with each other,” he said.
Under the circumstances like these, he said, police notify area hospitality groups.
He shared a tip for restaurant owners.
“Don’t leave anything of value in the restaurant,” he said. “Most restaurants don’t anymore. They leave the register open so you can see from the door that it’s empty, but many still have a safe.”
“I’m sure they’re talking and sharing information with each other,” he said.
Under the circumstances like these, he said, police notify area hospitality groups.
He shared a tip for restaurant owners.
“Don’t leave anything of value in the restaurant,” he said. “Most restaurants don’t anymore. They leave the register open so you can see from the door that it’s empty, but many still have a safe.”
— Susan Smiley contributed to this story.