Felony Lane Gang still targeting Naperville

A string of “smash and grab” vehicle burglaries in Naperville Park District parking lots has been linked to a Florida-based crime group that has targeted the city since 2010, authorities said.

Naperville police Friday said more than 60 vehicle burglaries that have been committed since last August appear to be the work of the Felony Lane Gang.

Police said the group, which consists largely of black men with dreadlocks and gold teeth and white women, target locations where women are most likely to leave their purses or wallets in vehicles including fitness facilities, parks, and day care centers. Once the purses and wallets have been stolen, Felony Lane Gang members use the victim’s identification and banking information to obtain large amounts of cash.

“The male members commit the smash and grab burglaries. They approach the victim vehicles in a rental vehicle obtained in Florida, smash the vehicle window, and steal a purse or wallet almost always in plain view,” police Sgt. Gregg Bell said Friday. “The male members then supply the female members with the victim’s identification and checkbook to write fraudulent checks.”

So far, 100 Felony Lane Gang members have been identified, and although some arrests have been made, the gang still was operating as recently as Wednesday. The total monetary loss from the Naperville thefts is in excess of $100,000, officials said.

Police said wallets and purses should not be left in the vehicle unattended under any circumstance, and those who see suspicious vehicles around day care centers, parks or fitness facilities should call police at (630) 420-6666.