The latest stolen auto from the Sunoco Gas Station in the 6300 block of New Hampshire Avenue has renewed concern from citizens to the Police Department asking what is being done to combat the crime at the two gas stations on New Hampshire Avenue.
Since January 31, 2012, there have been 11 incidents reported at the two gas stations on New Hampshire Avenue. There were eight theft from autos, three auto thefts and one commercial armed robbery. Takoma Park Police have charged four suspects involved in several of these incidents.
The Police Department has taken a strong approach to combating these types of incidents, such as conducting numerous plainclothes and uniformed officer details, media coverage, community advisory notifications, social network announcements, shared information with allied agencies who are experiencing the same types of incidents and have posted signs and flyers at the pumps to alert/remind citizens to lock their vehicles, remove keys and don't leave their items laying out on the seat in plain view for suspects to steal. Takoma Park Detectives have even created a safety video for the community to demonstrate how quick and easy it is for suspects to park beside the victim's car, exit their usually stolen vehicles and enter the victim's vehicle while they are pumping fuel and steal their property which, in most instances, are laying out on the seat in plain view. (This video can be found at www.youtube.com with the key word Takoma Park Gas Station Robberies). These suspects flee the area usually before the victims' even notice that their property is missing. In addition, the gas stations' owner has been contacted several times by detectives, and the Community Outreach Officer, to try and work together to deter crime at these stations.
These suspects are familiar with the locations and usually pick these two gas stations because they are close to the District of Columbia and Maryland State line. The Police are not allowed to chase these vehicles into the District of Columbia for misdemeanor offenses (thefts from autos).
As result of the latest auto theft, the department will initiate another plainclothes detail in the area to attempt to catch suspects committing these crimes.
It is extremely important for citizens to adhere to the tips below, including turning their vehicle off, removing the keys from the ignition and locking the vehicle while pumping gas. They should also remove any and all valuables from the passenger seat area and items in plain view.
Criminals are opportunists and will continue to take advantage of victimizing citizens who fail to protect themselves or their property.
Some Gas Station Safety Tips:
Because self-service gas pumps are used by most people today, carjackers have identified service stations as excellent locations to find plenty of victims. Carjackers simply wait for the moment when they can most easily move into a vehicle and drive away. Many drivers leave their keys in the ignition and their cars unlocked when they get out of their cars to use self-service gas pumps. While the driver is putting gas in the tank, the carjacker can simply open the car door, get in the car and drive away. This is especially dangerous if your children and/or pets are in the vehicle.
Sometimes, the carjacker will wait until the driver goes to the gas station’s cashier to pay for the gas. While the driver is busy paying the cashier, the carjacker will drive off with the car.
Carefully consider where and when you buy gas. Choose a safe, familiar area during daylight hours whenever possible. In addition, make a practice of filling up your tank when it is half-empty, if possible. Never let your gas supply get so low that you are forced to stop for fuel in an unsafe or unfamiliar area at a dangerous time.
In addition, sometimes it’s not a carjacker but a thief who chooses self-service gas pumps for his crimes. Most people will leave their keys in the ignition and their purses and/or wallets, cell phones, etc. on the passenger seat of the vehicle. With doors unlocked, it’s easy for a thief to open the door, take your belongings and flee. It only takes seconds (please watch the video prepared by the Takoma Park Police Department referenced above to see just how easy this crime is).
Some tips when you are at a gas station:
1. Never leave your keys in the ignition. Take them out of the vehicle and lock your car while you are pumping gas.
2. Do not leave your valuables in plain sight when you exit your vehicle. Even with doors locked and no keys, the thief cannot resist your valuables.
3. Pay attention to your surroundings. Do not let your cell phone distract you. (As a side note, using your cell phone at a gas pump is very dangerous. Cell phones and other electronic devices may have the potential to emit electrical charges, and should therefore be left in the vehicle during fueling).
4. If you are going to pay for your gas inside the cashier’s office, please do not leave your children in the vehicle, regardless if your doors are locked or not. Take them with you. It may seem like a hassle, but consider the alternative.
5. If you are using a credit card at the gas pump, always take your receipt or hit the "clear" or "no" button when it asks before leaving. Otherwise, you leave your credit card information open for the next person.
Please be safe!
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