Rash of Thefts Leads to Warning to Women From Naperville Police

An organized crime ring from Florida has returned to Naperville, police confirmed Friday.

Police are warning residents not to leave anything of value in sight in your cars—even for a few minutes.

“Over the last month we’ve had five incidences,” said Naperville Police Cmdr. Lou Cammiso.

The crime ring, called the Felony Lane Gang, is known for smash and grabs, especially in women’s cars, targeting daycares, schools, sporting events and gyms, anywhere a woman might leave a purse in the car, police said.

“They see a mom go in with a child,” Cammiso said. “Not carrying a purse, they know that woman has a purse and they know the purse is in the car.”

Police say the thieves are looking for checkbooks so they can cash checks. They’re known to cash the checks in the farthest lane of drive-thru banks so tellers don’t notice them. They also have taken cash and credit cards, police said.

Residents like Ashley Gonzalez say they’ll be more careful in the wake of the police warning.

“In a nicer neighborhood like this you really don’t expect it, so you’re more likely to leave your guard down,” Gonzalez said.

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