'Felony Lane Gang' Targets Women & Their Wallets
ARAPAHOE COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4)- Authorities in Arapahoe County have issued a warning to the public about the "Felony Lane Gang," a national crime syndicate targeting women and their wallets.
The criminals work in three to four person teams to break into cars and steal women's purses. Often, the thieves leave credit cards and electronics behind, only taking the victim's checkbook.
Authorities are urging people to take purses with them when they exit their vehicles, and lock car doors.
"It's very easy to say I'm just running in for a minute, I'm only going to be a minute. Leave my car unlocked; leave my purse in the car. I can see my car. But it really takes half that time for these criminals to come in and get your checkbook," said Julie Brooks, spokesperson for the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office.
Brooks says the gang members are targeting gyms, parks, day cares, shopping centers, and other places frequented by women.
"They pull right up behind you, break the window, and in 20 seconds they have your purse and they're gone," said Joe Nigro, Owner of Belles and Beaus Academy in Centennial.
Two parents at the daycare have already fallen victim.
"They were pretty distraught because these are women and that's their purse, and they have everything in their purses," said Nigro. "They were pretty upset."
According to investigators, once the thieves steal the checkbook, they cash checks at bank drive-thrus using stolen identities, leaving the victims out thousands of dollars.
Authorities asked the public to be on the lookout for anyone sitting in idling vehicles outside businesses, and to alert law enforcement of that or any other suspicious activity.
A National Task Force has been set up in an effort to identify members of the "Felony Lane Gang."
Melissa Garcia has been reporting for CBS4 News since March 2014. Find her bio here, follow her on Twitter @MelissaGarciaTV, or send your story idea to mkgarcia@cbs.com.