Ladies, do not leave your car doors unlocked at gas stations; you are leaving your purse vulnerable to a new trend of criminals called "sliders."
Thieves are preying on open cars at gas stations while people are filling their tank, according to ABC News. In shocking new footage, you see sliders working so quickly, they can steal your belongings in a matter of seconds and run before you notice anything is missing.
"Your vehicle is not a secure location for your belongings," Houston police officer Jim Woods told ABC.
Police use the term 'sliders' to describe the sneaky thieves because they will slide up to your vehicle below the eye level of the car door and can snatch your belongings quickly.
"Incidents have been reported across the country in cities including Houston, Miami and Washington DC and the CCTV footage typically shows the same scenario," the Daily Mail reports.
In some cases, the victims realize what has happened or catches the thief in the act when it's too late.
"Child care locations are another spot where women are often preoccupied and therefore vulnerable to this type of crime," the Daily Mail reports.
To avoid becoming a victim of a slider, all drivers are encouraged to lock the doors, roll up the windows and keep valuables by your side at all time, and remain alert to your surroundings.
"It's very scary that someone can surprise you and steal all of your belongings," the Daily Mail reports. "It's yours, protect it. And the easiest way to protect it is keep it locked up, keep it with you.
Protect yourself from the crime; don't leave your car running with your vehicle unoccupied, remember to keep your doors locked and you won't fall victim to the sliders.
Check out the video below to see the criminals in action.
