TOMS RIVER – The Toms River Police Department is warning residents not to leave valuable items inside their car due to an increase in smash-and-grab car burglaries in the area.
On Friday, Toms River Police posted an alert on their Facebook page regarding a group known as the “Felony Lane Gang,” who have been targeting vehicles in parking areas of public parks, gyms and recreation areas across the state.
Authorities have stated a list of things to be aware of when it comes to this group:
- They are often driving rental cars with out-of-state plates.
- This group originates from Florida and drives-up the eastern seaboard to commit these burglaries.
- They are seeking purses in the car hoping to find bank checks, debit cards, and driver licenses. They then forge and pass the checks at various banks using the stolen IDs.
- They will drop off one person in the lot on foot who will utilize a spring loaded center punch to pop the vehicle side windows.
- The drop vehicle will often remain close by and in an over watch position in case law enforcement arrives.
- They are very fast, usually in and out of a parking lot in only a few minutes.
- They have been known in the past to be armed, so if people see this activity should report it and not approach these people.
“Do not leave valuables in your vehicles, especially in plain sight,” Toms River Police said.
