Cops: Women in hats head up Detroit crime spree

(CBS) It sounds like an item left over from the royal wedding...but it's head-and-shoulders more suspicious. Police are seeking the public's help in Detroit to catch a group of middle-aged to elderly women dubbed the "Mad Hatters," who are behind a series of larcenies and frauds throughout metro area, a report says.

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Sterling Heights Police Lt. Luke Riley said the frauds span multiple banks and jurisdictions, including Wayne, Oakland, Macomb and Livingston counties. He said Sterling Heights is investigating three incidents from December in the area near Lakeside Mall, the Detroit News reported.

Police say the incidents usually start with the theft of a woman's wallet or purse and shortly after, credit cards and checks are used at area retailers for merchandise or at banks for cash.

Surveillance photographs show that the person responsible for the theft is not always the one who uses the stolen items to commit the fraud. Police say the common denominator between the suspects is they all are wearing hats - hence the "Mad Hatter" nickname - at the time of the thefts and frauds.

Riley said it's believed the incidents began about a year ago.

Police say one financial institution has been victimized for almost $200,000, and the total figure for all incidents could be as high as $500,000, according to the Detroit News.

Anyone with information should contact Sterling Heights Police Department at 586-446-2800.