FARGO — Police here warned Friday, Jan. 24, that a traveling theft ring known for breaking into vehicles to steal purses could be active in Fargo, Grand Forks and Sioux Falls.
Recent thefts in those cities are similar to past activities of the so-called Felony Lane Gang, according to police, who urged the public to avoid leaving valuables in vehicles while running errands. The warning comes just a day after the Fargo Police Department announced it took reports of smash-and-grab thefts at an area fitness facility.
The loose-knit "Felony Lane" group is known by law enforcement for targeting women who leave their vehicles unattended at places like day cares and fitness centers. Thieves steal credit cards, IDs and checkbooks.
The “Felony Lane” name comes from the group’s reported practice of using the bank drive-through lane farthest away from the teller to make fraudulent transactions.
In January 2018, Fargo police said there were 12 local cases linked to the nationwide ring. Fargo police said in January 2019 that they believed the group was active again in North Dakota.
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Police ask anyone who sees suspicious activity to either call 911 or 701-451-7660.
