Gang Of Prostitutes/Drug Addicts Hits 11 N.J. Towns In Nationwide Burglary Scheme: Authorities

A rise in vehicle break-ins at area gyms and local parks has law enforcement worried about the presence of a burglary/theft crew known as the "Felony Lane Gang."

The group targets fitness centers, parks, daycare centers, YMCAs or similar establishments. They break into unattended vehicles and steal identification and financial documents, typically credit cars and checkbooks in bags, purses, wallets, according to the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office.

They then use the stolen information and attempt to withdraw money from bank accounts or incur charges on credit cards.

The suspects recruit women who are prostitutes and/or drug addicts to assume the identities of the theft victims in order to cash stolen checks belonging to other victims, according to authorities.

The suspects normally supply the recruited check cashiers with wigs in order to create a physical appearance similar to that of the victims whose identification was stolen, according to the authorities.

The check cashiers normally use the farthest drive-through lane from the bank building to conduct the fraudulent transactions - hence the group earning the nickname as the Felony Lane Gang.

Police said they are aware of the crime pattern and people can protect their valuables by assisting law enforcement. Here is where they have hit, according to the BCPO:

A few tips have been offered: Do not leave your purse or other valuable property visible in a car or anywhere. Be aware of your surroundings and report suspicious vehicles.

A national task force that includes law enforcement has been established to focus on closing down Felony Lane Gang, which is based in South Florida.

"The Felony Lane Gang has been operating for years, raking in millions of dollars with criminal activity that crosses multiple state lines," according to a Facebook post from the group.

Patch file photo