Police: Serial Burglar Targeting Homes Of The Recently Deceased

FARMINGTON HILLS (WWJ) - Authorities are searching for a man who appears to be targeting the homes of people who have recently died or were at a funeral for a relative.

Michigan State Police believe at least eight home break-ins across Washtenaw, Livingston, Monroe and Oakland counties in the past month are related.

Jeremy Rockhaber of Farmington Hills says his family was victimized as they attended his father's funeral last Friday. Many of the items have sentimental value.

"It's heirlooms and things like that, that can't be replaced," he told WWJ Newsradio 950. "So, you know, on top of dealing with my father's passing, to have to deal with this ... it's just so tragic. "It's tough to think that this happens." 

Rockhaber thinks he unwittingly laid out the welcome mat for the crook when he put his dad's obituary in the newspaper,

"Let's face it, you know, the obituary gives pretty good detail," Rockhaber said. "The times and place where the funeral is. You know, their last name, their number is listed. It's things we don't think of."

Rockhaber said that, even though it's been a difficult time for his family, he wants to get the story out so that others aren't targeted.

"I went to my mom ... she's 80 years old; and I said, you know, TV stations, people are interested in the story," he said. "And without hesitation she said Dad would want us to do this. We gotta let people know about this."

According to police, electronics, credit cards, jewelry, and other valuables are being taken.

During the investigation of an incident in Washtenaw County, police obtained surveillance photos of a suspect believed to be involved in the crime. The suspect is driving a silver, four door vehicle, believed to be a Pontiac Grand Prix.

The suspect is described as a black male, approximately 20 to 30 years old, with facial hair.

Anyone who can identify the suspect in the surveillance photos is asked to contact the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office tip line at 734-973-7711 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800- SPEAK UP.