18 Auto Accidents Reported Sunday in Township

 reports from Jan. 23-30 included 49 alarms, 35 crashes and 11 arrests. Among the highlights:

18 auto accidents mark 'first major snowfall'

West Bloomfield Police responded to 18 automobile accidents in what Lt. Tim Diamond called "the first major snowfall of the season" Sunday. Although none were hit-and-run accidents, and none involved injuries, Diamond said police are concerned for residents' safety.

"People tend to forget, around the first major snowfall of the season, to exercise extreme caution, especially if the snow is coming down as you're driving. You want to maintain a safe and sure distance behind the vehicle in front of you, and you want to slow down," Diamond said.

Taggers strike local neighborhood

Vandals spray painted vehicles and traffic control signs at three locations overnight Saturday, Diamond said.

The black and red paint "was mostly random letters," Diamond said, including the word "player" on a car. The homes hit were on the 6500 block of Marten Knoll, the 6300 block of Hermana, and the 1700 block of Heron View.

"I'm sure it was young people, out and about, unsupervised," Diamond said. Police are investigating, but have no suspects.

Rolex reported stolen from hospital patient

A 78-year-old man from West Bloomfield staying at for four days allegedly had his gold-colored, Rolex watch taken from his room, Diamond said.

Diamond said after the man was admitted to the hospital on Jan. 19, the watch was last seen by the man's son, on his father's left wrist, on Jan. 22. The man, who has no recollection of what happened, was discharged on Jan. 23, when his son noticed that the watch was missing, Diamond added. The watch was allegedly worth $6,000.

Police are currently investigating surveillance footage with Henry Ford Hospital security to determine who was in and out of the room at the time. Diamond suggested a way that residents going to the hospital can avoid such a situation.

"If you're in the hospital or any place where you may be waited on by anyone in such a manner, leave the expensive jewelry at home," he said.

If you have any information about these incidents, you can call West Bloomfield Police at (248) 975-9200. For questions about this report, email tim.rath@patch.com.