Authorities seek man in cigarette thefts

Officers from at least two jurisdictions are looking for a man who they believe is stealing cigarettes from area businesses.

Michigan State Police at the Brighton Post said the man walked into the Genoa Township Walgreen's on Grand River Avenue at around 9 p.m. Aug. 29 and asked for three cartons of cigarettes.

Livingston County Sheriff Bob Bezotte said the man also hit the Walgreens at 10081 E. M-59 in Hartland Township at about 9:30 p.m. Aug. 29.

In both incidents, the man asked the store clerk for cigarettes, typically Newports and Marlboros, and fled with the merchandise without paying as the clerk began to ring up the purchase.

Bezotte said man also went to the Smoker's Depot on Sept. 2, taking off with cartons of Newport and Marlboro cigarettes.

A Smoker's Depot clerk followed the man outside and saw him get into a silver Chevrolet HHR, police said.

The thief is described as a white male in his early to mid-20s. He has a shaved head, thin build and may also have facial hair, including a goatee.

Police say the man also has lots of tattoos on both forearms and the left side of his neck.