BROWN COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The Brown County Sheriff’s Office needs the public’s help solving a string of car break-ins and bank fraud in the area.
A group of thieves, believed to be using the “Felony Lane Gang” method, has made its way to Northeast Wisconsin. The group gets its name from using the farthest lane from the bank teller, to cash fraudulent checks using someone else’s identity.
“We received a report from Nicolet National Bank. Four of their bank branches all located in Brown County were victims of significant bank fraud which all happened in a short period of time,” said Sgt. Roman Aronstein with the Brown County Sheriff’s Office.
Brown County Deputies said this woman got away with about $13,000 from stolen checks. Some of the checks taken from parked cars at a Kaukauna health club and others during a break in about a hundred miles away in Mequon.
This style of bank fraud was first identified in South Florida, now it’s happening in Appleton, Grand Chute, and the Green Bay Area.
Aronstein tells FOX 11 suspects usually rent vehicles to commit their crimes and authorities say most of their victims are women.
“Individuals are looking for areas that are left unattended, so they’re targeting parking lots of gyms, and recreational areas, where people are more likely to secure their property in their vehicle than taking it with them.”
With this type of criminal activity happening more often authorities said it’s important to lock your car and be aware of your surroundings.
“Honestly it’s disappointing that we have to be worried about right now, and the thought of someone being in my vehicle is pretty scary,” said Green Bay resident Erin Degroot.
“I think it’s kind of scary, but it’s the reality of the world we are in today.”
If you have any information regarding this string of break-in’s and thefts call the Brown County Sheriff’s office at (920) 448-423.
