ROCKPORT and BELFAST — Police Friday are investigating three reported car burglaries, two in the parking lot of Penobscot Bay YMCA in Rockport and one in the parking lot of Waldo County YMCA in Belfast.

According to Belfast police, a possible suspect vehicle description in Knox County is that of a "very clean" Subaru sport utility vehicle, with an approximately 6-foot-tall male wearing a red hoodie inside.

Rockport Police Chief Mark Kelley said it appears the Rockport YMCA break-ins, which involved smashed windows, occurred between 9 and 9:45 a.m. He said it's not yet known what was stolen from the vehicles.

He said it's also possible that anyone who left a vehicle unlocked in the parking lot might have had valuables stolen, if left inside.

"Officer Cooper Plaisted is working with the YMCA to check with people who checked in this morning, to see if they noticed anything out of the ordinary," said Kelley.

The break-in in Belfast was called a "smash and grab," and it was reported to have occurred around 9 a.m. Belfast police reported a purse with belongings was stolen from the vehicle.

Belfast police said a teletype was sent out to other agencies warning of the activity, and about 45 minutes later they learned about the car burglaries in Rockport.

While hesitant to come out and say the Rockport break-ins were linked to the Felony Lane Gang, which is a multi-state theft ring whose members target vehicles in which purses and bags are left in plain sight, Belfast police said they believed that to be the case.

Kelley did say it is similar in that YMCA facilities have been targeted in other communities around the country.

In December, Belfast police said they linked a smashed vehicle window to the "gang" of thieves working the East Coast. Focusing on fitness centers and day cares where people leave their wallets unattended, they are known to steal credit cards, debit cards, checkbooks and/or driver's licenses. All of those items are then used to make withdrawals at bank drive-throughs, often by using the furthest lane, which is how they got their moniker.

"People need to be reminded not to leave things of value in plain sight, it is basic common sense," said Kelley. "Doors on cars should be locked, but valuables should not be left inside, especially where people can see them."

Kelley said it's also important to be vigilant about suspicious activity, and immediately report when something doesn't look right, or when a crime has been committed.

Belfast police said that a task force has been set up in Southern Maine, where there has been a greater number of these types of crimes. They said the task force has been made aware of the recent burglaries and has been given all the information gathered to date.

Anyone who may have been at the Waldo County YMCA between the hours of 7 and 9 a.m., and seen something suspicious, is asked to contact the Belfast Police Department at 338-2420. Contact the Rockport Police Department by calling 236-2027.

Related story:

• Police say 'Felony Lane Gang's' reach is wide

Contact Editorial Director Holly S. Edwards at hollyedwards@penbaypilot.com.