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Florida woman faces numerous burglary, check forgery charges

Henderson County sheriff’s detectives have lodged 21 charges against a 45-year-old Florida woman they say was responsible for numerous car burglaries and check forgeries after stealing checks in northern Henderson County in November.

Ann Marie Clark is charged in warrants with six counts of breaking and entering a motor vehicle, six counts of uttering a forged instrument, five counts of misdemeanor larceny and four counts of injury to personal property. She is currently being held in the Rutherfordton County jail after leading Forest City Police on a short chase on Dec. 21 on multiple similar offenses that include speeding to elude arrest. Clark will be released to Henderson County authorities after the pending charges in Rutherfordton have been adjudicated, the sheriff's office said in a news release.

Clark has used a method of operation often called “The Felony Lane Gang” crimes, where offenders use disguises at a bank drive-thru lane to pass stolen checks. Such offenders use elaborately planned con jobs that begin with car breaks-ins at daycares, gyms, coffee shops, and other locations where an unsuspected victim might leave her purse for only a brief time.

Henderson County investigators are collaborating with multiple agencies including the Fletcher Police Department, and the Forest City Police Department in an attempt to identify more victims, therefore the investigation is ongoing at this time.
The sheriff's office reminded citizens to help prevent becoming a victim and recommend the following precautions:

1. Never leave valuables in your vehicle.
2. Always lock vehicle doors.
3. If you’re going to hide your purse or other valuables in your vehicle, do this before arriving at your location. These criminals may monitor their target location and may see you put your purse in your trunk.
4. Report any suspicious activity immediately by calling 911.
5. If you are a victim of theft, report any lost financial information to your bank and law enforcement immediately.