Mark Hicks

The Detroit News

The request seemed ordinary: A customer at a Lowe’s in Bloomfield Township last week needed workers to help him load hardwood flooring onto his truck.

But police say those employees were unwittingly aiding the theft of more than $2,500 in merchandise from their store. Now, investigators hope the public offers tips to find the man responsible.

A loss prevention officer from the retailer in the 1800 block of Telegraph told police the man came in late on Oct. 12. He loaded a flat cart with boxes of hardwood flooring, then left, “telling the cashier that he already paid for the items,” authorities said in a statement Thursday.

After loading his truck with the goods, he returned and asked workers to “take down another pallet of hardwood flooring,” according to the notice.

Together, they loaded the cart again and he walked out of the store. With other employees assisting, the man hauled the flooring into his truck, described as a dark-colored, newer model extended-cab GMC pickup.

It wasn’t until later that store workers learned he hadn’t paid for the items.

Investigators on Thursday released surveillance images of the man, whom they described as a young and white with brown hair, and his pickup.

Anyone who recognizes him or has information is asked to call the Bloomfield Township Police Department at (248) 433-7755.