Police are warning residents in one California city to be on the lookout for so-called “sliding,” a crime of opportunity which has recently been popping up at gas stations.
The crime is a common theft, yet with an especially sly and brazen execution.
The victim, usually a woman driving alone, stops at a gas station, exits her car, and proceeds to the machine to pump the gas.
Meanwhile, the thief pulls up right beside.
While the woman is operating the machine, the thief surreptitiously exits his car and “slides” over to the adjacent vehicle.
The trick is, the thief stays close to the ground and thus hidden behind the car doors, remaining out of the line of sight of his victim.
The victim may feel quite comfortable leaving her car unlocked and her handbag, wallet, or other belongings right on the front seat. After all, the car is standing right by her side.
The thief then carefully opens the door to the victim’s vehicle, and while still keeping his head down grabs whatever valuables are in sight and slides back to his car, closing the door behind him. The thief then drives off leaving the victim oblivious to the fact she’s just been robbed. Until she re-enters her car, that is.
The police shared gas station security footage documenting one such crime.
“Sliding” now needs to be added to the list of crimes of opportunity, such as the theft of wallets from purses left unattended in shopping carts, purses slung over the back of chairs in restaurants, and purses left in cars at gyms, parks, and hiking trails.
The police suggest removing keys, closing the window, and locking car doors when stopping to pump gas.
“Refuse to be a victim!” the department stated. “Crime Prevention is everybody’s business so Protect Your Purse!”
