Sliders at gas stations are striking across the country. According to ABC News, a new breed of sneaky thieves are targeting "slide" into a victim's vehicle and steal their belongings, usually committing the crime unnoticed.
The way sliders at gas stations strike are an enormous threat to victims that let their guard down as these criminals utilize both stealth and speed to perform the theft. Women in particular have a habit of leaving their purses and other valuable belongings in the vehicle while they pay for their gas. A slider will stop their car right next to the victim's car and crawl over next to the victim's unlocked door or open window. Sliders usually duck just below the window sill of the car door to move undetected.
According to police reports, sliders at gas stations can grab a purse from a victim in a matter of seconds. What's more, the method is a highly nonconfrontational crime. Sliders often target victims that are unlikely to put up a fight and appear to have let their guard down. While victims may notice the slider and catch him in the act, the thief will probably flee the scene before the victim could react. However, most victims only realize what has happened when the slider is long gone.
Reports of sliders at gas stations all over the country are causing tremendous concern to law enforcement. Sliders at gas stations have been captured on CCTV footage in multiple cities across the country including Washington, D.C., Houston, and Miami.
In order to counter the latest crime wave, authorities are working to raise awareness of sliders at gas stations. In addition, police also warn women that child care locations are another location where sliders may strike as mother's are usually preoccupied with caring for the children.
"Your vehicle is not a secure location for your belongings," said Houston police officer Jim Woods. Drivers can protect themselves against sliders from entering their cars by rolling up their windows, locking the doors, and keeping valuables with themselves at all times.
