Three thefts reported Saturday at Ann Arbor Art Fair

By Lee Higgins Crime and courts reporter

Posted on Mon, Jul 25, 2011 : 1:50 p.m.

A man was arrested Saturday after Ann Arbor police say he stole $1,200 in jewelry from a booth in one of three thefts reported that day at the Ann Arbor Art Fair.

Police said the 47-year-old man took jewelry from a booth at East William and South Main streets about 10 a.m., when a Cincinnati man staffing the booth called police and followed the thief until he was in custody. The jewelry was recovered, police spokeswoman Lt. Renee Bush said.

Officers continue to investigate two other thefts. At about noon, a 47-year-old Canton woman left her shoulder bag unattended at a booth and her wallet was taken from inside her purse, Bush said. The wallet was valued at $150 and had credit cards, debit cards and other items inside, police said.

Also, about 4:45 p.m., a person approached a booth near the intersection of East Liberty and South State streets and requested a donation. As a 57-year-old Walnutport, Pa., woman staffing the booth prepared to make a donation, someone stole $850 in jewelry from the booth, police said. Bush did not have further details.

Anyone with information on the thefts can call the police department's tip line at (734) 794-6939.