News Summary
Umar Long and Michelle Gilbert, an Indianapolis couple, have been arrested for their involvement in a series of thefts from storage facilities in Canton Township, MI. The thefts, valued at tens of thousands of dollars, led to serious charges against them. With bonds set at $50,000 each, they face potential prison sentences of up to 10 years. Over 30 victims have been identified, and police are urging others affected to come forward. Their arrests highlight the growing issue of theft in suburban areas.
Indianapolis Couple Arrested for Large-Scale Theft from Storage Facilities in Canton Township, MI
INDIANAPOLIS – Umar Long, 45, and Michelle Gilbert, 41, both residents of Indianapolis, Indiana, were arrested for their involvement in a series of thefts from multiple storage facilities in Canton Township, Michigan. The total value of the stolen items amounts to tens of thousands of dollars, prompting serious charges against the couple.
Both Long and Gilbert have been charged with larceny of $20,000 or more, receiving and concealing stolen property $20,000 or more, and breaking and entering. Each of these charges carries a potential prison sentence of up to 10 years, which underscores the severity of their alleged criminal activities. The couple has been held in jail with a bond set at $50,000 each, and they are scheduled to appear in court on May 9.
Details of the Arrests
Investigations into the thefts began in early April, with police focusing on the area around Joy and Haggerty roads in Canton Township. On April 27, Umar Long was arrested while he was attempting to break into another storage unit. This pivotal arrest led authorities to execute a search warrant at a nearby hotel, where they found Michelle Gilbert along with a significant amount of stolen property.
Victims and Recovery Efforts
As a result of this investigation, more than 30 victims have been identified, and police believe that there may be more individuals who have yet to come forward. The thefts involved various items, prompting law enforcement to encourage potential victims to reach out for assistance. Canton police are facilitating this process and have provided a contact number, 734-394-5400, for those who may have been affected by these crimes.
Background Context
The series of thefts is particularly troubling due to the extensive nature of the break-ins across multiple storage facilities. Authorities are examining the circumstances surrounding the operation to determine if Long and Gilbert acted alone or as part of a larger network. The arrests come at a time when storage unit thefts have become a growing concern in many communities, leading to increased vigilance among storage facility operators and law enforcement alike.
As the situation develops, officials continue to gather evidence and seek additional information. Long and Gilbert’s arrest serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing issue of theft and property crime in suburban areas. The local police department remains committed to ensuring the safety of its citizens, as well as recovering stolen property and bringing those responsible for such crimes to justice.
The case is a stark example of how quick law enforcement responses, teamwork, and community engagement are vital in combating theft, protecting residents, and maintaining the security of personal properties stored in such facilities.
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Additional Resources
- Patch: Canton Storage Units Break-Ins
- Wikipedia: Theft
- Detroit News: Canton Township Theft
- Google Search: Storage Unit Thefts Canton
- Hometown Life: Canton Package Thefts
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Larceny
- CBS News: Package Thefts in Canton
- Google News: Canton Package Thefts
