Be Careful at the Gas Pump!!

[Kizzikate]

From our local police department, but appropriate anywhere... When you get out of your car to pump gas, make sure all windows are up, and doors are locked. Thieves are grabbing purses and wallets from the front seats while the driver's back is turned. They make a clean getaway before you can turn around!!

[Chocolatl]

Not to put anybody down, but who leaves their purse or wallet in the car like that?

[Felix4067]

Not to put anybody down, but who leaves their purse or wallet in the car like that?

Probably 75% of the population. I see it constantly. They're the same people who leave their purses in their shopping carts when they walk away from it to grab something in the store or while putting their groceries in the trunk.

[Mary]

Absolutely, Felix. And it's a stealing-time of year around the holidays while everyone is distracted by crowds, lists, and schedules.

People leave their keys in their cars while they go in to pay for gas; they offer to help an elderly person reach an item high on a shelf while a companion lifts their wallet and leaves the purse in the cart; they turn attention to the children who are squabbling or playing and lose a coveted sale item which is moved quickly to another shopping cart; they leave personal items in a dressing room while they check out the "mirror look" in the dressing area; they fail to check to see that the credit card handed back to them by the clerk or waiter is the same one they handed over . . . .

I've started locking my purse in the trunk (or leaving it at home) and only carry an ID, one credit card, some cash, and my car keys in a pocket sized folder when I go to a large store or a mall. That leaves both hands free and eases my mind.

[Denise]

Not to put anybody down, but who leaves their purse or wallet in the car like that?

I do! I leave it in the front seat while I'm pumping gas, I'm 3 feet away from it. Never thought about someone grabbing it. And I'm one who is super careful too. If you pay at the pump, it's never out of your sight. Wow, people are ballsy now.

[Denise]

Absolutely, Felix. And it's a stealing-time of year around the holidays while everyone is distracted by crowds, lists, and schedules.

People leave their keys in their cars while they go in to pay for gas; they offer to help an elderly person reach an item high on a shelf while a companion lifts their wallet and leaves the purse in the cart; they turn attention to the children who are squabbling or playing and lose a coveted sale item which is moved quickly to another shopping cart; they leave personal items in a dressing room while they check out the "mirror look" in the dressing area; they fail to check to see that the credit card handed back to them by the clerk or waiter is the same one they handed over . . . .

I've started locking my purse in the trunk (or leaving it at home) and only carry an ID, one credit card, some cash, and my car keys in a pocket sized folder when I go to a large store or a mall. That leaves both hands free and eases my mind.

Okay, maybe I'm not that careful! I know petty crime is high, but in the areas we have lived in, these kind of things typically occur at night - someone breaks into your car, etc. I've never had a single thing stolen - so these stories freak me out!

And KNOCK, KNOCK!!

[racrgal]

Many years ago thieves were smashing the passenger's window and grabbing purses while the car was stopped at a stoplight. It was then that I started putting my purse on the floor behind my seat. Reaching into the back seat for my purse is much less inconvenient than replacing all those darned cards would be. Credit cards, bank card, insurance card, Costco card, different rewards cars, lots more to loose than just $$$$. I also never drive with my doors unlocked.

I really hate carrying a purse when I shop. When I go to Costco, I go in with my Costco card, payment card and a list, period. When I am doing MAJOR shopping at a mall or numerous stores, I carry a small crossover body bag and always make sure the body of the bag is in front of me and zipped. While thinking about this, I realized that my keys are never in my car unless I am in the car. Guess that is why I've never, ever, nope not even once, locked my keys in my car.

[Denise]

I was thinking about it and since I have auto lock doors, they would have to come around the truck right in front of me, get in the front driver side - the tank is on that side - and grab my purse from the passenger side. Maybe that's why I don't worry about it so much? Unless they had a gun and if that's the case, they're going to rob you regardless.

[racrgal]

I was thinking about it and since I have auto lock doors, they would have to come around the truck right in front of me, get in the front driver side - the tank is on that side - and grab my purse from the passenger side. Maybe that's why I don't worry about it so much? Unless they had a gun and if that's the case, they're going to rob you regardless.

or smash the window while you're pumping gas. The video shown on our news last night showed the thief crouched down, opening the door and running off while the lady was on the other side pumping gas. Talk about bold! I'd guess that the larger the vehicle, the easier for the thief to hide.

[Denise]

I was thinking about it and since I have auto lock doors, they would have to come around the truck right in front of me, get in the front driver side - the tank is on that side - and grab my purse from the passenger side. Maybe that's why I don't worry about it so much? Unless they had a gun and if that's the case, they're going to rob you regardless.

or smash the window while you're pumping gas. The video shown on our news last night showed the thief crouched down, opening the door and running off while the lady was on the other side pumping gas. Talk about bold! I'd guess that the larger the vehicle, the easier for the thief to hide.

That's the thing though, he couldn't get the door open. The only door that is unlocked is the driver door, and I'm standing right there. My gas cap is on the drivers side. And if they're willing to smash windows, they're pretty determined and the only place your purse would be safe is in a trunk and I don't have a trunk.