Staying safe at gas stations involves a number of things. Turning off your vehicle, discharging static electricity, not using electronic hand held devices and all the other things on the “safety” warning signs. However, you also must keep yourself safe from crime.
Choose A Safe Area And A Safe Time To Fill Up
Choosing a safe area to fill up, and doing so in the daylight can increase your safety. I understand this isn’t always possible, but do your best to choose the time and place to fill your gas tank and do so with safety in mind. (This is another good reason to not let your gas tank get below half full. Besides having a vehicle ready to go in case of an emergency, you can more easily choose the time and place than when you are empty and need gas now.)
Thieves “Sliding” Purses Out Of Cars At Gas Stations
There is a new trick that thieves have been pulling off around the country that you need to be aware of and protect yourself from. The are calling these criminals “sliders” because of the way they sneak into cars at gas stations and grab purses without anyone spotting them.
They are primarily targeting women at gas pumps who are alone. It is very common for women to leave their purse on the passenger seat or between the two front seats. The criminals look for a woman who is filling a gas tank that is on the same side as the driver’s door. They pull in beside as if pulling up to another pump. The “slider” sneaks out of the passenger side over to the mark’s car, opens the door, or reaches through the window, grabs the purse and hops back in so the drive can speed away. In less than twenty seconds, a pair can drive into a gas station and out again with some unsuspecting woman’s purse or bag. Often the person who is robbed doesn’t even realize it until they get back in the car and look for the stolen item.
In this video, surveillance video shows the technique. A silver car pulls up next to an SUV at a gas station. Then, while the drive of the SUV is focused on the gas pump, the criminal crouches down, sneaks or slides over, opens the passenger door and grabs the woman’s purse. Another video shows the criminal jumping through a car window to quickly grab a purse and dash away.
Notice how long it takes: only a few seconds!
Watch the video:
Keep Your Purse and Bags Safe – Prevent “Sliders” From Stealing Your Things
Here are a few things you can do to stay safe while getting gas:
- Situational Awareness. Don’t ever forget the importance of being alert and aware. If you haven’t watched my Situational Awareness videos, do so. I also recommend you sign up for my the Your Warrior’s Edge newsletter and download and read the guide to awareness. It is so important to pay attention and be aware of what is going on around you.
- Lock your doors. Criminals are wanting something easy. Most of these crimes are committed by the criminal opening the unlocked door to grab the objects and dash away. A locked door can make them go look for an easier target. It is sad that we can’t stop all criminals, but we can make ourselves a harder target so they go elsewhere.
- Keep windows rolled up. Same as with the locked doors. Make it tough to get inside and the criminals will go look for easier pickings. A locked door with rolled up window would prevent a lot of the thefts that happen.
- Don’t leave your purse or other objects out in the open. This goes for tablets, lap tops, iPods, phones and anything else worth something. All of these items have been targets for thieves, and if they are out in the open and easy to grab, a thief only needs a couple of seconds to disappear with your belongings. Valuables should not be left out and easy to see. Have your purse strapped around you as you get out to pump gas, or hidden under the driver’s seat, or a back seat. The key is making it so it is not visible or easily taken.
Lock Up Before You Go Inside
It should go without saying that if you need to run inside to pay, purchase something, or use the bathroom, you should lock the car doors and have the key with you when you go inside. So many people don’t do this because they are only going to be inside for a moment. But as you can see, that’s all it takes for someone to be gone with your things.
Be A Hard Target By Making It Inconvenient For Criminals To Rob You
Some of these things may not be as convenient. I understand this. People place their purses and other valuables on the passenger seat because it is easy and convenient. It’s inconvenient to roll up the window that has been down to just get gas. I really do understand. But I’m trying to help you make it less convenient for a criminal to rob you. Remember, convenience is what they are looking for too. They want something quick and easy, and if you provide them that opportunity, and they take it, it is going to be a lot less convenient dealing with the theft of your belongings than rolling up a window, locking your doors and hiding your stuff under the seat would have been.
Stay Safe at the Gas Station!