Investigators looking into theft of checks from three counties

NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. -- Federal investigators are looking at check thefts in Lawrence, Mercer and Trumbull counties which are believed to be the work of a California gang.
Borough Police Chief Carmen Piccirillo said Monday two banks in the borough suffered "significant losses" in a theft of checks last month. He said officials believe the theft is the work of a gang from Los Angeles.
The Sky and First National banks here were burglarized and checks stolen, he said. The checks were later presented for payment by people using forged identification and posing as bank representatives.
Piccirillo said that in addition, businesses in Farrell and Wheatland also suffered company check losses and other similar burglaries have been reported in Sharon, Hermitage, Neshannock Township, New Castle and Hubbard, Ohio.
He said the burglaries are concealed and in some instances the thefts were not discovered immediately. Last year, the chief said, there were similar incidents in Ohio.
Piccirillo said he met last week with all the involved police departments. He said the information will be presented to the U.S. attorney in Pittsburgh.