'Felony Lane Gang' smash and grab burglars strike again in Naperville

NAPERVILLE, Ill. (WLS) -- An organized group of smash and grab burglars called the Felony Lane Gang appear to have struck again in west suburban Naperville, perpetrating five new burglaries.

Police said they believe the gang, which originated in Florida, is behind all five of the new burglary cases. Police said they have hit Naperville before.

"These are typically smash-and-grab, if you will. The cars are typically locked, the windows are smashed out and purses are the target of the theft," said Naperville police commander Lou Camiso.

The goal, police said, is to get the checkbook inside the purse instead of cash.

"They'll write several checks on one account for several hundred dollars, more than most people carry in their wallets," Camiso said.

Patty Dybala's first stop at her car after a gym visit is her trunk, where she has stashed her purse.

"Today I was thinking, 'I don't have a lock with me, where am I going to put it?'" she said of her decision not to bring the bag inside.

Bridgete Naughton thought much the same, noting Naperville's safe reputation.

"It's Naperville, I'm safe here. I just kind of grab my wallet and leave my purse," she said.

But her mentality may actually make her a target, police said.

"We enjoy a relatively low crime community, but sometimes that makes it a target for crime," Camiso said.

Police are warning residents to make sure they bring their belongings with them when locking their cars and walking away.