Over $20,000 Stolen from Hudson Valley Bank Account, Police Believe Link to National Crime Ring

Over $20,000 was reported stolen from a Hudson Valley woman’s bank account. Police believe the suspect is part of the national “Felony Lane Gang,” which has stolen millions across the United States.

The Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office Detective Bureau says the thefts happened Monday throughout Dutchess County.

A woman from Westchester told police that her purse was stolen from her car earlier in the day. The woman quickly cancelled her checks and credit cards, but her identification was also in the purse.

The suspect, who happens to look like the victim, used the victim’s identification to make withdrawals from six different banks in Dutchess County. The woman reported over $20,000 was removed from her account.

The suspect was also driving in a car with stolen plates, police say.

Authorities believe the suspect, pictured above, is involved with a larger crime ring called the “Felony Lane Gang,” which is a well-organized group that has operated for years throughout the U.S. and stolen millions of dollars.

There is currently a task force set up to investigate the group. More information on the group and task force can be found on Facebook.

Anyone who may recognize the suspect is urged to contact the police at 845-486-3820. Anyone with information can also contact the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office via the tipline at 845-605-CLUE (2583).

The Sheriff’s Office offered tips to help other Hudson Valley residents to avoid becoming a victim in these crimes.

• Always lock your vehicles. In some cases the vehicles were forcibly entered, but in some the thieves simply opened an unlocked door.
• Never leave your purse or identification in your vehicle.
• Many of the larcenies from vehicles were committed in public parking lots like gyms and shopping centers. Follow the same precautions as you would at home, and DO NOT assume that you can’t be victimized if you are parked in a public place.
• If your vehicle has been broken into contact police immediately.
• If you notice that a license plate has been taken from your vehicle contact the Sheriff’s Office immediately.
• If your documents and/or are identification are stolen contact your financial institution immediately, and also contact the credit bureau and put a fraud alert on your accounts.
• If you see something suspicious, say something.