Police: Sliders prefer highway gas stations

ATLANTA (FOX 5 Atlanta) - It is not something you want to think about but a thief could be lurking at the gas station where you fuel up. Police have a name for the crooks -- sliders.

When you go back to the gas pump to refuel, a criminal is dropped off, crouches down, and slides through the passenger door over to the driver's seat.

It happens frequently somewhere in the metropolitan area.

Police say they have spotted a trend -- which if you keep in mind -- the chances of you becoming a victim may be reduced.

The car thieves preferred location for their work is at a gas station by an interstate. Within seconds the car climbs an interstate ramp and speeds away.

And it is not just the opportunity to avoid red lights that make highways attractive. When the stolen car is driven on the interstate, the thief will be out of view of, say, city of Atlanta cameras that are like an eye in the sky keeping watch over city streets.