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Beware at the pump: Thieves dubbed ‘sliders’ target people filling up with gas
Beware at the pump: Thieves dubbed 'sliders' target people filling up with gas
MEQUON -- A warning for all drivers: Beware at the pump! Criminals in several communities are targeting customers at gas stations. Some are looking for things in your car, while others are taking the whole thing.
It happened in a flash.
"Just a moment, help someone out and your car is gone. It was just that fast," said Detective Andy Fischer, Mequon Police Department.
Mequon police say a customer at the Kwik Trip gas station located on Cedarburg Road in Mequon, was trying to be a good Samaritan. The person he was trying to help was not.
"It appeared this driver had a false sense of security by being close to his car," said Fischer.
Problem is, the driver left something in the vehicle -- the keys in the ignition.
"The driver of the vehicle was pumping gas, was distracted by another customer asking for directions, and while he was trying to help that individual somebody slipped into his car and drove off with it," said Fischer.
Detective Andy Fischer is among those searching for the stolen rental car; a 2016 white Hyundai Sonata, the getaway car, a dark blue Chevy Monte Carlo -- and the men involved.
"In this particular instance it was a crime of opportunity," said Fischer.
They're not the only department warning of crimes at gas stations. Hales Corners police sent out an alert saying Thursday, May 12th as people were trying to get inside vehicles at local gas stations to steal items.
Detective Andy Fischer
It may be part of a new trend nationwide officers call "sliders." Criminals creep up into cars, often times with the unsuspecting victims still at the pump, and go through open doors and windows to get inside.
In Mequon, it was keys left in the vehicle that made the victim an easy target.
"We would never want you to leave your keys in the car whether it is at home or at a public business like that. Be aware of your surroundings. Just make mental notes and keep yourself safe," said Fischer.
It is a heads up for drivers to take extra precautions next time you're at the pump.