Smiling woman steals from shelters for homeless vets across Metro Detroit

ROSEVILLE, Mich. – Roseville police are seeking the public’s help identifying a suspect who stole personal items and cash from Vets Returning Home, a nonprofit serving homeless veterans in Metro Detroit.

Security cameras captured footage of the woman entering the organization’s thrift store near 12 Mile Road and Gratiot Avenue one week ago.

The woman went into an employee-only area and can be seen stuffing an assistant manager’s purse into an oversized bag before walking out with a smile.

At one point, she can even be heard on the camera telling the cashier to “Have a good day.”

According to the non-profit, the stealing spree didn’t stop there. The suspect proceeded a mile down the road to the veterans’ shelter, even changing her jacket at one point.

“She took bridge cards, bus passes, all of the keys, petty cash,” said Sandy Bower, founder and volunteer coordinator for Vets Returning Home. “To think that someone would be that low to rip off the veterans.”

Navy veteran Ray Hendrickson, currently staying at the shelter, was in disbelief that someone would do this.

“That person should just be ashamed of everything they have done, and the fact that she hasn’t been turned in yet is possibly the biggest insult,” Hendrickson said.

Employees at the store emphasized that they would have helped the woman if she had simply asked.

“If you needed assistance, just ask us because we are more than happy to help, but we cannot be stolen from. This cannot happen again,” said Anthony Mangino, the store’s general manager.

The nonprofit has announced a $750 reward for information leading to the identification of the suspect—$500 coming from Bower personally and $250 from Dart Patriot Supply.

The Roseville Police Department is actively investigating the case and collecting tips from the community. Anyone with information about the suspect’s identity is urged to contact the department or the non-profit.