Lock Your Car Doors Ladies...

[opsspec1991]

Police call it a "crime of opportunity" that can happen in seconds. You're casually pumping gas, only vaguely aware of your surroundings, when out of nowhere someone slides into your car and steals your belongings.

This type of theft is called "sliding" and, according to a recent ABC News report, it's on the rise.

It's quite simple. Usually occurring at gas stations, thieves lie in wait as unsuspecting car owners fill up. They case a car to see if it is unlocked. If there are any valuables within reach, and they "slide" under the view of the car's owner and grab any valuables they see on the front seat--purses, phones, computers, tablets. It's called "sliding" because of the way the thieves slide in below the eye level of the door.

Link Removed

 

[wolf_fire]

Are you trying to tell me that there is a rise in a specific type of crime where, while I am pumping gas into my car, someone actually opens up the car door (without me noticing), grabs loose valuables without me noticing, shuts said car door (without me noticing), and then slinks away without me noticing? I don't know about your specific vehicle, but if any of the doors on mine were opened, I'd not only hear it, I'd feel it as the car moved a bit. Let alone shutting the door as was shown in the video, again, you'd hear it and feel it as you were pumping gas.

Personally, when pumping gas, I set the locking mechanism on the fuel handle and then take a position around my vehicle so my back isn't to anyone.

I find it incredible that anyone could open a door to a vehicle that I was pumping gas into without me noticing.

Regardless, locking a door is always prudent.

 

[dogshawred]

I think what is happening is that with most gas stations they provide a convenience store as well and people who go inside to get something leave their vehicle unattended and vulnerable to this kind of theft if they don't take the time to lock it up.
~
Wolf, I with you regarding anything happening to my vehicle going unnoticed. It just isn't going to happen, besides I pay at the pump and don't step inside to buy anything while I am parked at the pump. Someone else couldn't get gas if I were to go inside, I was raised differently. I will park my vehicle away from the pump if I need to go inside for anything, I don't like waiting why should I make anyone else wait on me to take a whizz.

 

[wolf_fire]

I think what is happening is that with most gas stations they provide a convenience store as well and people who go inside to get something leave their vehicle unattended and vulnerable to this kind of theft if they don't take the time to lock it up.
~
Wolf, I with you regarding anything happening to my vehicle going unnoticed. It just isn't going to happen, besides I pay at the pump and don't step inside to buy anything while I am parked at the pump. Someone else couldn't get gas if I were to go inside, I was raised differently. I will park my vehicle away from the pump if I need to go inside for anything, I don't like waiting why should I make anyone else wait on me to take a whizz.

I would be more inclined to believe someone stealing something from a car while the owner of the car went inside for something, but the OP didn't post that. He posted this is occurring WHILE people are pumping gas. I find this completely incredulous.

Also, if one goes inside and does not lock one's car doors, I feel no sympathy.

 

[dogshawred]

The wife and I drive 2001 and 2004 Grand Cherokee vehicles and they can both be programed so all doors lock automatically after you start driving and that when you stop only the door opened from inside is the one that is unlocked not all, restricting access after you exit to pump gas. Taking steps to protect your valuables need to be taken when you have the ability available, just saying.

 

[nontechguy]

Unfortunately many new cars, mine included, automatically unlock all 4 doors when you put it in park, and you can't lock the doors if any door is open with the key in the ignition.

I guess they wanted the cars to be "smarter". I personally consider that a safety hazard.

 

[tricolordad]

Mine has to be going 4 miles per hour. It locks the trunk too. Don't know why that matters if it's closed...

 

[wolf_fire]

I have a 2007 Ford F-150 Pickup. I chose not to pay for any unnecessary or useless bells and whistles. If I want a window down, I turn the handle and voila, the window goes down. If I want the door locked, I reach over and flick the lock button. Once the door is locked.... imagine that, it stays locked until I unlock it. Also, once I unlock it, it stays that way until I lock it. Safety isn't hard nor does it have to complicated.

If you get your stuff stolen from your car because you were either too oblivious with your damned self or too incompetent to lock your doors, you don't deserve to have your stuff. Just my $0.02 for what it's worth.

 

[opsspec1991]

I think the video also shows a lady going into and out of the gas station store after the thug takes her stuff from her car and she runs after the robber. All in All I agree, if your alone don't leave it unlocked while you go into the store.

 

[MamaLiberty]

Unfortunately many new cars, mine included, automatically unlock all 4 doors when you put it in park, and you can't lock the doors if any door is open with the key in the ignition.

Why would you leave the key in the ignition? You just invited a carjack in some places.

My car locks the old fashioned way... one door at a time with a lever. I get to choose when and where.

But in addition:
I scan my surroundings constantly
I don't leave things out on the seats to attract attention
I don't carry a "purse" at all
I am visibly armed at all times

Somehow, I don't think anyone is going to attempt to "slide" up on this old lady.

 

[nontechguy]

The only time the key is in the ignition is when I'm in the car. Or someone else is.

Your additions apply here as well, although I rarely open carry, even though it's legal. I prefer the element of surprise.

I also don't carry a *man purse*. :nono:

 

[dgifted]

Unfortunately many new cars, mine included, automatically unlock all 4 doors when you put it in park, and you can't lock the doors if any door is open with the key in the ignition.

I guess they wanted the cars to be "smarter". I personally consider that a safety hazard.

When I step out of my car, I take my keys with me and use the door lock to lock all. Since I am single it is rare that anyone is in the car with me. If I have to go into the convenience store such as to pick up the receipt that would not print out, I hit door lock again.
----I don't know how often you watch others pumping gas. It is surprising how many I see watching the pump the entire time. Or, even though electronic devices are to be turned off, I see many people talking on their cell phones, staring into space, or listening to ipods. No way would the car moving slightly or door silently closed be noticed by these zombies. I guess it just points out that those of us on this post tend to be past the spaced out age and use a little more common sense.