Police in two counties say that they are searching for a woman accused of cashing stolen checks.
Officials in Toms River and Wall Township says that the suspect is fond of wearing wigs and usually steals checks from women’s purses.
Police believe that she is part of group of criminals known as the Felony Lane Gang. The group is accused in a large number of crimes stretching from Pennsylvania to Florida. They usually target mothers.
Officials say that the New Jersey crimes usually start with a smash-and-grab from a vehicle.
“These guys are professionals. They break the glass within seconds. They take whatever they want out of that vehicle within seconds,” says Toms River Police Detective Mark Bajada.
Bajada says that they often steal purses, particularly purses containing the victim’s checkbook. He says that the suspects have stolen thousands of dollars.
“I just met with another victim…she was cleaned out for about $3,000,” Bajada says.
Wall Township police say that they believe that the thieves have broken into more than 24 vehicles since Jan. 1. Officials say that the thieves target parks, shopping centers and parking lots.
“They basically just randomly walk around looking for cars, looking for targets with specific pocketbooks,” Bajada says.
Police say that people can protect themselves by leaving purses and valuables locked in their car’s trunks and out of sight.
Anyone who may recognize the woman should contact Detective Bajada at 732-349-0150, extension 1241 or the Wall Township Police Department Detective Bureau at 732-449-4800.