Community on alert for "suspicious man"

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. (WOOD) - The Battle Creek Police Department wants the community to be on alert for a suspicious man who has been stealing items from homes.

According to police, the male suspect is approaching homes and contacting residents in the Battle Creek area.

The male suspect says he is doing an energy audit and after getting permission to come into the house, he distracts the residents and then steals various items.

The residents don't even realize that their property is missing until the suspect is gone, according to authorities.

Police advise anyone doing contractor work in Battle Creek that they must have a permit issued by the city and provide their credentials to the resident. Anyone who has any suspicions about a situation should contact the Battle Creek Police immediately.