Saline police warn residents about series of storage-facility thefts
Saline police are alerting residents to take precautions while using storage facilities for their property after a series of thefts from a local business.
The manager of U-Store Self Storage, at 1145 Industrial Road, called police earlier this month to report locks on at least three storage units were missing. The units were in the same aisle, and property was later determined to be stolen.
Items taken include televisions, a computer, clothing, furniture, kitchenware and a rare set of figurines. The total value is estimated at roughly $3,000.
The thefts were discovered while the manager was on regular rounds through the enclosed facility. The crimes likely occurred between 6 p.m. on Dec. 30 and Dec. 31, reports said.
At least five storage-unit larcenies have been reported there since September.
Officers investigated the theft of two commercial lawnmowers that were parked on trailers in separate lots on the property between Sept. 24-27, reports said. And thousands of dollars in athletic clothing and sports gear was discovered missing from the property on Nov. 29.
Saline Detective Don Lupi said officers have seen surveillance camera footage on some of the days the thefts are believed to have occurred. They discovered people with storage units are letting others in who may not have legitimate business at the facility.
“We’ve found that, in most cases, the thieves are being let in by people with legitimate storage areas,” he said. “They pull in behind someone and say that they forgot their code.”
In some instances, people shared their personal codes and became victims.
Lupi said keeping the code secure is a start, but he also suggested getting insurance for the property left in storage.
Police said they continue to investigate leads.
Anyone with information is asked to call the department at 734-429-7911 or e-mail Lupi at dlupi@cityofsaline.org.
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