Police: Gas pump crime is the hottest trend of 2016

It is happening more than one might imagine. A police commander in Fulton County calld thieves who take advantage of motorists at gas stations “sliders.”

While a person stops to go into the store or is perhaps pumping gas, a thief sneaks into an unlocked door and swipes a purse or a weapon. And there are many cases, 55 of them in unincorporated Fulton County alone, when the thief has been able to drive away.

Major Wade Yates showed examples in gas station surveillance tapes. The crimes happen at all times of the day and night.

The hot zone is the southern tip of Atlanta. The major has a couple of suggestions. He said people should stay off their cell phones while pumping and he also said people should always lock the car door even when standing right next to it.