DETROIT -- Local police have arrested four people suspected of taking part in a pickpocketing and identity fraud ring that targeted fans attending the Final Four games in downtown Detroit.

The suspects were arrested with equipment used to make fake IDs.

Last week, Chicago law enforcement agencies warned the Michigan State Police that members of the Chicago-based fraud ring planned on going to Detroit to rob and steal the identities of people in and around the major sporting event.

Investigators said at least 12 of the 200-plus members of the ring, called "Cannon To The Wiz" planned on going to Detroit.

The Michigan State Police said Wednesday they arrested four people, including the suspected ringleader, identified as Leonardo Darnell Zanders.

MSP earlier confirmed the group was in Detroit when one man was arrested for allegedly pickpocketing a person in front of Ford Field and surveillance images captured a man and woman stealing a woman's purse at Somerset Mall on April 4.

Within three minutes of stealing the purse, investigators said the man and woman charged more than $13,000 of electronics on the stolen card.

MSP said the advanced pickpocket ring of thieves target large sporting events where people are often carrying lots of money.

"They'll travel to an event -- either fly or drive -- and they will leave a few days later with several thousands of dollars with ill-gotten gains," said MSP Lt. Marty Bugbee.

They are usually well-dressed and travel in packs of two or three to work large crowds.

"One will jostle the victim while the other pickpockets," said Bugbee.

Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard had his cell phone stolen by pickpockets while in Detroit for the NCAA Final Four. However, police do not believe he was a victim of members of Cannon To The Wiz.

Law Enforcement officials said the nationwide group is very sophisticated and organized, periodically holding seminars to learn more about their craft.

Most of the time, the thieves enter bars and restaurants and prey on women with purses. Once they obtain the stolen purses, they usually have a computer, scanner, thumb drive and printer set up in their rental car -- which is usually rented under a previous victim's name -- to replace the victim's license image with their own photo.

The victim's credit cards are then used to purchase high-end electronics at nearby retailers such as Wal-Mart, Target, Best Buy and Meijer.

Police say when they arrested the four suspects, they found a computer, printer, plastic card stock and other equipment used to make fake IDs in the suspects' car.