ROCKPORT, Maine — Three motor vehicles were broken into Friday morning in the parking lot of the Penobscot Bay YMCA but police do not yet know if there are ties to a series of similar burglaries across other states.
The “Felony Lane Gang” has been active in southern Maine, New Hampshire and other states. The name derives from the way the burglars use the lane farthest from the bank teller’s window when they drive up to make financial transactions with stolen checks, debit cards and identifications.
According to Rockport police Officer Cooper Plaisted, the three vehicle owners began reporting the break-ins before 10 a.m. In all three instances, windows were broken and pocketbooks and purses stolen.
The department’s investigation determined that the burglaries occurred between 9:15 and 9:45 a.m. The investigation continues.
Plaisted said there is no determination yet on whether the break-ins are connected to the gang. A burglary in Belfast in December has been tied to the group.
The Pen Bay YMCA issued an advisory to members to not leave valuables in plain sight in their cars and to lock the doors.