burglaries committed by the “Felony Lane Gang” have continued, and warned drivers to be extra cautious

burglaries committed by the “Felony Lane Gang” have continued, and warned drivers to be extra cautious as the holiday shopping season approaches.

Naperville Police Sgt. Gregg Bell said seven more burglaries that investigators believe have been committed by the highly organized group of thieves have occurred since they first warned of their presence in the city in late September. Offenders typically target women, looking for them to leave their vehicles empty-handed. They smash a window in order to steal a purse or wallet, police said.

The group, which is believed to be based out of Florida, was dubbed the Felony Lane Gang because members have been known to use the farthest drive-up lane at the bank to cash phony checks so they are difficult to identify. The gang is also known to wear wigs and other disguises.

“We believe they may be involved in some burglaries throughout the western suburbs,” he said, adding that investigators do not know how large the group may be.

In September, Naperville Police said the gang is believed to have been responsible for more than 60 smash-and-grab daytime burglaries amounting to $100,000 since August.

Bell said residents should be extra cautious as the holiday shopping season approaches, locking all wallets and purses in their trunks if they need to leave them in their vehicles. Also, gifts should be placed in a trunk as well, and if a vehicle does not have a trunk, they should be covered with a blanket in order to reduce the risk of becoming a target.