Not everything is coming up roses in Shelby Township. That’s because police are looking for a thief with a green thumb.
“He stole plants that were very valuable out front of the building,” Det./Lt. Jason Schmittler said. “I think it was a bad move on his part, good cameras in the area and I’m sure we will catch him.”
The thief targeted Vince & Joes grocery store on Van Dyke just after midnight on Mother’s Day.
The pots are the most expensive gifts in their floral department.
Store manager Sal Menna said, “More than 15 pots, for a value of over $1,000. I’ve never seen a high dollar amount like this, pretty brazen to do it especially right in front of the store.”
Schmittler said, “Mom is not going to be happy to get any stolen flowers.”
Police say a man pulled up in what they believe is a black Mercedes E-class. The suspect casually walks over picking up the potted posies and putting it the trunk.
“You can tell you knew what they were coming to get,” Menna added.
The crook makes three trips in less than two hours, stealing more than $1,000 worth of flowers right before the morning rush on Mother’s Day.
“Mother’s Day is a big day for floral sales. It’s a nice gift-able product,” Menna explained. “These pots were very large, very colorful, beautiful. What mom wouldn’t be happy to have that?”
Police and store managers don’t believe this is the suspect’s first theft.
Menna asked, “Are they looking to resell them? Are they looking to decorate their home? Who knows? You can’t say.”
Menna said one thing is for certain. “You’re going to get caught.”
If you know who stole the flower pots, call Shelby Township Police’s Det. Johnson at 586-731-2121 ext. 348.
