The ring of thieves dubbed the "Felony Lane Gang" struck three times in Farmington Hills last weekend, targeting purses left in cars at Founders Park and Heritage Park.
Police believe in the last week or two, the same crooks also struck in Farmington, Canton, Northville, and Hartland in Livingston County.
Investigators across the country have dubbed the crooks the Felony Lane Gang because they use the drive-thru lane at banks that is furthest from the tellers when trying to cash stolen checks.
The thieves have been targeting purses and other valuables that are left in vehicles parked at daycare centers, gyms, and parks, especially during sporting events.
They may be using a special took that quickly breaks the window, giving them easy access to purses, cell phones, and computers.
Farmington Hills Police believe the gang of thieves is behind 25 to 30 similar thefts in their city alone in about a year.
One suspect from the weekend thefts is described as a black male with a goatee, wearing a red shirt. He was driving a maroon Jeep Cherokee with no registration plate on the vehicle.
The group of thieves has been active across the country for approximately two to three years. Investigators believe they are originally from the Fort Lauderdale area, and it's believed that they typically use rental vehicles to carry out their crimes.
