Police Warn Arizona Drivers: Watch for This Fast-Moving Theft Scam

As a woman, I always try to be aware of my surroundings. It’s even more important when I’m doing tasks at night or in the early evening, like stopping at a filling station.

One simple thing I do is lock my passenger-side doors.

a person holding a phone

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Getting Distracted? Don't Be a Victim!

Think about it for a moment: how many things are you dealing with when you stop for gas? Gasping at the per-gallon price, opening the fuel cover your husband over-tightened last time he used your car, then the hoops you have to jump through just to pay for your gas.

Why does the payment kiosk have to ask you so many questions??

• Insert your card. (Wrong way, flip it over.)
• Credit or Debit? Debit.
• Enter PIN Number. (Isn't PIN 'number' redundant??)
• Do You Want a Car Wash? No.
• Are you sure? Your car's absolutely filthy. No.
• Enter Loyalty Number to Save Money. Skip
• Want to join our loyalty program to save .10 cents off your next fill-up? NO!
• Would you like to register to vote? What?
• Who started the Whiskey Rebellion? Huh?
• Your mother's birthday is next week. Do you want to buy a card? Seriously??

Okay, yes, I’m exaggerating a little, but not much. With all of those distractions, it’s easy for someone to take advantage of the situation. That’s why police continue warning us about a crime known as "sliding."

a close up of a gas pump at a gas station

What Is A Slider?

A slider, according to the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC), is "a thief who targets drivers while they're pumping gas."

The crime is simple: the driver steps out to refuel, and the suspect quietly approaches the passenger side of the vehicle, opens an unlocked door, and grabs whatever valuables are within reach.

a car is parked at a gas station

You know, the stuff you left on the passenger seat and floorboards—your purse, wallet, backpack, laptop. If you’re a victim, you might not even realize what happened until the thief is long gone.

Why It Happens So Fast

Police say sliders know you’ll be distracted, and they count on your attention being elsewhere (like trying to remember why you forgot your mom's birthday is next week) while they take advantage of your unlocked door.

Sunglasses, case, and small patterned bag on a car seat

While you're focused on the pump, checking your phone, or managing the kids, thieves can strike in seconds. Investigators report that the crooks typically look for the valuables you left in plain sight, and purses sitting on the passenger seat make for an easy grab.

How To Protect Yourself

The good news is, you don’t have to be a victim. Prevention is an easy fix.

Safety experts, like CrimeDoctor.com, recommend locking your doors whenever you exit your car, keeping valuables out of sight, and watching for nearby vehicles and people. Choosing well-lit gas stations with surveillance cameras can also help reduce your risk.

READ: Arizona Police Issue Urgent Warning on Bank Jugging Scam

a gas pump next to a brick wall

I've never been a victim of a slider theft, and I'd like to keep it that way. From now on, a locked passenger door is just part of my routine every time I fill up.

I just hope I remember to mail Mom's birthday card, too!