Police departments in Montgomery and Prince George's counties are warning drivers after dozens of thefts from cars parked at gas stations in recent months.
Fourteen thefts have been reported at Montgomery County gas stations in the past two months, while many others have been reported in neighboring Prince George's. Police have not announced whether those incidents are related, but say they are investigating a possible "crime ring."
Officers say the thefts occur when the driver is outside of the car paying for gas or talking on a cellphone. Police say thieves will enter the victim's car and either drive off or steal electronics, purses and wallets from the car.
In the latest case Tuesday morning in Silver Spring, a man left his keys in his unlocked car, went inside the gas station and looked up moments later to see someone driving away with his car.
"On our end it's a trend. We're working with Prince George's to come together, pull our resources and do the best that we can to eliminate these crimes. If it is a particular group of people, we'll work with as many jurisdictions as we need to," officer Nicole Gamard with Montgomery County police said.
Authorities say five of the thefts have occurred at the same gas station on Georgia Avenue.
