...for City of Southlake news, business, and community happenings.
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- thefts
Saturday, April 20, 2024
The Southlake Police Department would like to remind residents and visitors to be diligent in locking away valuables in the trunk of their vehicle as they shop this holiday season.
Local law enforcement are keeping a watchful eye for any signs of the notorious “Felony Lane Gang” that has been known to operate in the area. The team of thieves typically works in groups and targets vehicles in shopping centers, daycares, ballparks and gyms looking for the perfect opportunity to steal your valuables.
**DO NOT LEAVE VALUABLES INSIDE YOUR VEHICLE. ** Follow the Hide, Lock, Take guidelines. It works! Hide your things, Lock your vehicle and Take your keys.
Members of the Felony Lane Gang move quickly. They work fast to steal an individual’s cash, checks and credit cards and head straight to an ATM or bank. They use the stolen credit cards and steal a person’s identity oftentimes before an individual realizes he or she is a victim.
FLG female members often wear wigs and large sunglasses to try to hide their true identity. The vehicles used in these crimes are often rentals and the license plates are switched to a stolen plate.
If you notice any suspicious behavior contact police dispatch at (817) 743-4522 or call 911 in the event of an emergency.
Working together, the citizens of Southlake, visitors and the Southlake Police Department can reduce vehicle burglaries. Thank you for your cooperation.
The Southlake Police Department has stepped up patrols in area neighborhoods following reports of thefts from residential mailboxes. Our Criminal Investigative Division immediately began gathering information and leads as soon as the first theft was reported. CID detectives continue to work each case and gather new information and leads to help locate the person or persons responsible.
The police department wants Southlake residents to know that it is standard practice for officers to patrol area neighborhoods and shopping centers on each shift 24/7. For example in March alone, officers made routine patrols of 77 homes where residents signed up to be on the ‘House Watch” program while they out of town. The forms and information about our “House Watch” program can be found on our City of Southlake Police Department website page under Community Services or at CityofSouthlake.com/HouseWatch.
Southlake police officers also conducted 1,627 patrols in neighborhoods throughout the City; made 132 community policing contacts; and 2,007 security checks of local businesses. “The Southlake Police Department is committed to our community policing strategy. That mission drives our efforts to prevent crime in the City and provide the highest standards of safety and security for our citizens,” said Assistant Chief James Brandon.
Community Policing Efforts (March 2014)
Neighborhood Patrols 1,627
Community Policing Contacts 132 (Including presentations and meetings with Home Owners Associations (HOAs)
Business Security Checks 2,007
House Watch Patrols 77
Residents are encouraged to retrieve your mail at every opportunity, limiting the time mail is left in your mailbox. If you are going to be out of town be sure to arrange to have someone collect it for you and keep it in a safe place until your return.
If you feel that you have been a victim of mail theft you can report it directly to the US Postal Service at 1-877-876-2455 or www.USPS.com. If your identity has been stolen, you may report it to Southlake Police at 817-743-4522.
If you would like to learn more about the services the Southlake Police Department provides, please visit CityofSouthlake.com/PoliceDepartment where you will also find information about our District Sergeant Program. This program identifies each Sergeant in your district including contact information for any specific police related concerns that you may have. Sergeants are also available to speak to your HOA or organization about ways to help ensure that you do not become a victim of mail theft as well as other safety tips for your home and family.
The Southlake Police Department would like to encourage residents to become familiar with the Sergeant responsible for policing efforts in your neighborhood and please report any suspicious activity to the numbers listed for your District Sergeant or call SLPD at (817) 743-4522.
A couple accused of a string of vehicle burglaries in the City of Southlake apparently were unaware of news alerts about the crimes including a description of their vehicle. They were also unaware that Southlake DPS Police Officers were on the lookout for them and their red Dodge Charger. The duo definitely didn’t count on alert Police Officer Frank Rogers either. Officer Rogers spotted the couple’s vehicle soon after reports that they had struck again; smashing the windows of several cars and allegedly stealing the valuables inside.
Officer Rogers was on routine patrol on Wednesday, January 18th when he spotted a vehicle matching the description of the one reported to be involved in several thefts that morning. He followed the pair into a local business parking lot and notified Detective Venessa Trevino. Their teamwork and subsequent investigation resulted in the arrest of a husband and wife from Whitesboro, Texas.
Several items observed in the couple’s car matched the property reported stolen from the earlier Southlake vehicle burglaries. Detective Trevino charged the individuals with those vehicle burglaries, and the female has been also been charged with credit card abuse. Additional charges are pending as the investigation continues. Police Chief Stephen Mylett said, “This is great police work and teamwork at its best! I am extremely proud of the efforts of Officer Rogers and Detective Trevino!”
The investigation is ongoing to determine whether the couple is connected to other burglaries or crimes, which have occurred in Southlake and the surrounding areas over the last several months.
Meanwhile, this recent arrest serves as a good reminder to residents to follow the guidelines in the “Take, Lock and Hide” program. Always, take your purse or wallet with you; never leave them in your vehicle. Lock or hide all valuables in the trunk of your car so they are out of sight. Southlake DPS wants to help keep you from becoming a target or victim of thieves.