Twin brothers charged with running landscaping equipment theft ring targeting multiple Metro Detroit communities

(WWJ) — Twin brothers are behind bars after being busted for a landscaping equipment theft ring targeting multiple Metro Detroit communities.

Leon and Levi Lindsey of Detroit have been charged with a total of 23 felony charges, including conducting a criminal enterprise, a felony that alone could land them in prison for up to 20 years.

They were arraigned after a months-long investigation revealed the 25-year-old twins are responsible for stealing upwards of 50 pieces of lawn equipment, according to the Harper Woods Police Department.

The case was investigated by a task force comprised of detectives from Harper Woods, Grosse Pointe Woods, Grosse Pointe Farms, Grosse Pointe City, Grosse Pointe Park, Detroit and Roseville.

In May investigators learned suspects were targeting landscaping crews who were in the community cutting grass.

Authorities say the suspects would wait until the workers were in backyards or out of sight, then “steal as much lawn equipment as they could from the landscape trucks and/or trailers.”

On numerous occasions, the suspects allegedly stole the entire landscape truck or trailer when the keys were left inside.

Harper Woods police officials say the twins “had buyers for the stolen equipment lined up and would sell the stolen equipment for profit.”

Leon Lindsey’s bond was set at $150,000 cash, while Levi’s was set at $100,000. The brothers are scheduled for a preliminary exam on Oct. 9 in Harper Woods 32-a District Court.

Authorities searched their Detroit home after the brothers were arrested and recovered around 50 items of lawn equipment, all of which are believed to be stolen. Detectives are in the process of identifying ownership of the suspected stolen items.

Officials say several additional suspects have been identified and additional arrests and charges are anticipated.

Police have not released any information about the additional suspects but are asking anyone who knows something about the theft ring to contact Harper Woods Deputy Chief Ted Stager at 313-343-2540 or tstager@harperwoods.net.

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