September 19, 2025

17-Year-Old Arrested for 35 Auto Larcenies in Farmington Hills

Farmington Hills, Michigan, September 19, 2025

News Summary

A 17-year-old suspect has been arrested in connection with 35 auto larcenies in Farmington Hills, Michigan. The suspect targeted unlocked vehicles in a dimly lit residential area, stealing valuable items such as designer sunglasses and phone chargers. Local police have increased patrols and used drones to deter further thefts as community concerns rise about vehicle security.

Farmington Hills

A 17-year-old suspect has been arrested in connection with 35 auto larcenies in Farmington Hills, Michigan. Law enforcement officials have confirmed that the teen, who is from Novi, targeted unlocked vehicles in a poorly lit residential area near 12 Mile and Drake Road.

The schemes carried out by the suspect were relatively simple: he merely checked for unlocked car doors. Among the items stolen were valuable possessions such as designer sunglasses, cologne, and phone chargers. The frequency of the thefts prompted the Farmington Hills Police Department to increase patrols in the affected neighborhood to deter further incidents.

Police Captain Domenic Lauria stated that the dim lighting in the area made it an attractive target for criminals. In a bid to capture the suspect, law enforcement deployed drones with thermal imaging technology early on a recent Monday morning. However, during the police pursuit, the suspect fled into the surrounding darkness.

Public sentiment in the neighborhood reflects concern over the ongoing thefts. One resident, Dan Harris, noted that he was not surprised by the arrest due to personal experiences, including a prior break-in into his wife’s car. Neighbor Michael Laura emphasized the critical importance of locking vehicles, referencing his experiences growing up in Detroit during the 1980s, when auto thefts were also problematic.

Residents are being urged to take precautions, such as not leaving valuables in cars and ensuring that all doors are securely locked at night. Another resident, Nicole Smith, mentioned a troubling incident captured by her Ring camera, showing a man rummaging through her and her daughter’s cars. Despite the vehicles being reportedly locked, the presence of the thief raised concerns about the effectiveness of the locking mechanisms.

The suspect was described as wearing a camouflage jacket and hat, and he was seen riding a bike during the surveillance. Fortunately for some, Smith stated that nothing of value was taken from their vehicles, but the situation has heightened awareness around vehicle security in the community.

The Farmington Hills police department continues to investigate this series of thefts, working to ensure the safety and security of residents in the area while tackling the rising trend of auto larcenies.

FAQ

What was the age of the suspect arrested for 35 auto thefts?: A 17-year-old suspect has been arrested in connection with 35 auto larcenies in Farmington Hills, Michigan.
What kind of vehicles did the suspect target?: The teen targeted unlocked vehicles in a dark residential area near 12 Mile and Drake Road.
What items were reported stolen?: Among the stolen items were designer sunglasses, cologne, and phone chargers.
What methods did the suspect use to commit the thefts?: The suspect’s methods were not sophisticated; he simply checked for unlocked car doors.
What measures have the police taken in response to the thefts?: The increased frequency of thefts led police to boost patrols in the affected neighborhood, and they deployed drones with thermal imaging to locate the suspect early Monday morning.
Was anything taken from Smith’s vehicles?: Despite the presence of the thief, Smith reported that nothing of value was taken from their vehicles.

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Key Features of the Auto Theft Incident

Feature	Details
Number of Thefts	35
Suspect Age	17 years old
Location	Farmington Hills, Michigan
Targeted Conditions	Unlocked vehicles in poorly lit areas
Notable Stolen Items	Designer sunglasses, cologne, phone chargers
Police Response	Increased patrols, use of drones
Community Reaction	Residents advised to lock vehicles and not leave valuables inside

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Author: STAFF HERE NOVI WRITER

The NOVI STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENovi.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Novi, Oakland County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Motor City Comic Con, Michigan State Fair, and Novi Home and Garden Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Novi Chamber of Commerce and Novi Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, technology, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Stoneridge, and Daifuku North America. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.

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