Officials: Bergen Car Break-Ins May Be Linked To 'Felony Lane Gang' Group
BERGEN COUNTY, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- New Jersey authorities are investigating a series of car break-ins at local establishments across Bergen County.
According to the Bergen County Prosecutor's office, the incidents appear to be linked to the "Felony Lane Gang" crime group, whose members allegedly target vehicles parked at local gyms, day care centers and county parks.
Cars in the parking lot of Club Metro Fitness in Rutherford have been targeted, CBS2's Raegan Medgie reported.
"I've never heard of the gang before, I've never heard of this before going on," Joe Galasso, of East Rutherford, said. "It's new right now."
"I mean, I consider that a little loose change, but I try to keep my stuff safe," Saad Najeeb, of Rutherford, said.
Nearby Riverside County Park has been targeted as well.
"I'm shocked, I didn't know anything about it," Joann Germann, of Lyndhurst, said.
"I come to the dog park, make sure the car is locked," Patricia Barraza, of Rutherford, said.
Authorities say the thieves break into the vehicles in search of purses, wallets, credit cards and other forms of personal identification that can be used to make unauthorized purchases and withdrawals from the victims' bank accounts.
"People are more vulnerable because they're in a better mood and they're running around doing things and not paying attention like usual," Anthony Randazzo, of Clifton, said. "I never leave anything in plain sight. I never leave my dog in the car or anything like that, packages."
A crime map of the alleged burglaries details at least nine reported incidents.
Authorities are urging residents to keep their personal belongings safe, and to not leave their valuables in plain sight.
The Bergen County Prosecutor's Office is asking anyone with information to contact their local police department, or to visit their Facebook page.