Are you aware of recent thefts at gas stations that are directed towards women? There has been one incident in Simi Valley and two incidents in a neighboring jurisdiction where thieves have targeted vehicles occupied by single women drivers. While the unsuspecting women were pumping gas, the crooks “slid” over to the victim’s vehicle, opened a front door and stole purses or wallets.
This crime of opportunity is called “sliding” since the crooks slide below the eye level of the vehicle door to commit the thefts. This crime only takes a few seconds and the thieves are long gone before the victim turns back around. this link is to a video on YouTube that shows a theft that occurred.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCCnIzmAA00
Before this becomes a local trend, the Simi Valley Police Department would like to remind citizens to:
• Remove your keys, close the window, and lock the doors while pumping gas
• Take your purse/wallet with you or place it on the driver’s side floor board
• Pick well-lit gas stations equipped with surveillance cameras
• Pay attention to your surroundings
• Do not let your cell phone distract you
Other crimes of opportunity include; theft of wallets from purses left unattended in shopping carts, purses slung over the back of chairs in restaurants, and purses left in vehicles at gyms, parks and hiking trails.
Refuse to be a victim! Crime Prevention is everybody’s business so Protect Your Purse!
For additional crime prevention tips or to attend a Neighborhood Watch meeting, contact Crime Prevention Coordinator Jean-Marie Maroshek at [email protected] or (805) 583-6276.
