WASHINGTON – Montgomery County police are warning drivers to lock their car doors when pumping gas after taking reports for 14 thefts or attempted thefts at gas stations near the Capital Beltway.
During the past two months, thieves have taken purses, phones, laptops, iPads and three vehicles. Investigators say the crimes appear to be similar.
Investigators believe the thieves have been targeting drivers who are distracted either by pumping gas or by talking on a cellphone. Drivers have been targeted during the morning and afternoon at gas stations near the D.C. line and near the Beltway, police say.
And all but one of the victims was a woman, according to police.
Stations targeted include a 7-Eleven in the 7900 block of Georgia Avenue, two stations in the 10200 block of Westlake Drive and two stations in the 8500 block of Connecticut Avenue among other locations.
Police ask anyone with information about the thefts to call the Centralized Auto Theft Section at 240-773-6370.
Police also urge drivers to keep valuables out of sight.
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