Vandals Target Martell Elementary; Man Leaves Fraudulent Check, ID at Bank

The following is a recap of recent crime news from the :

Man leaves fraudulent check - and his ID - at bank

An employee of Independent Bank reported Monday morning that a man had attempted to cash a fraudulent check earlier that morning. The signature appeared to be a copy, and upon further investigation by the bank, it was found the check had already been issued to someone else and cashed, according to a police report.

The man became impatient and left the bank, also leaving behind the check and his state identification card.

Vandalism at Martell Elementary

A maintenance worker at reported Monday morning that someone had scratched several profanities into a metal panel on the school over the weekend. According to a police report, the vandals also spray painted the words "Rock Pile" on the school's generator.

Thieves target Bath and Body Works

Employees at the Bath and Body Works (838 E. Big Beaver Rd.) reported several instances of retail fraud this week. One incident Monday afternoon involved a customer who allegedly stole 11 items worth $275.50.

A second incident that same afternoon involved a woman, who allegedly stole 13 items worth $263.50, according to a police report. Neither suspect was caught.

Tuesday evening, the store manager reported that two women entered the store and allegedly began stealing merchandise and concealing it in their purses. According to a police report, the store manager confronted the women, who yelled profanities at the employee before leaving with the merchandise, valued at $325.50.

For questions about this report, email Troy Patch editor Jen Anesi at jen.anesi@patch.com.