Crime & Safety

Felony Lane Gang Members May be Armed, Police Say

Members of the Felony Lane Gang, a group of transient thieves police believe are targeting Newtown, may be armed, according to police. Residents should not confront them.

Members of a “roaming gang of transient thieves” that local police believe are burglarizing cars in Newtown may be armed, Newtown Township Lieutenant Robert Matthews said

During a televised Board of Supervisors meeting Wednesday, Matthews said that the department believes the Felony Lane Gang is behind recent car burglaries in Newtown area fitness centers, day cares and parks.

“We have reports that they are armed,” Matthews said, urging residents not to get involved if they see a burglary in progress. Rather, he said, residents should immediately call the police. “We don’t want you to confront anybody,” he said.

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Matthews said recently cars in the Newtown Business Commons area have been targeted, including at the Goddard School and the Newtown Athletic Club.

According to police, the Felony Lane Gang travels up and down the I-95 corridor, targeting cars at places where it’s likely mothers have left their purse or wallet in the car. Matthews explained that multiple members of the gang will break into several vehicles simultaneously and disappear quickly after smashing windows and taking valuables, like purses and wallets.

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“You are urged to be mindful of your valuables and it is recommended to keep them out of sight; even if you will just be away from the car for a minute,” the township police said in a statement last week. 

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