5 Thefts While Pumping Gas, Police Say Lock Doors: WATCH

DOUGLASVILLE, GA – The Douglasville Police Department reports there have been five recent thefts, in Douglas County, from vehicles while the victim was pumping gas.

Since Jan. 27, these are the five gas stations where thefts have occurred: Murphy Oil on Thornton Rd.; Kroger on Hospital Drive; Kroger on Thornton Rd.; Racetrac on Fairburn Rd.; and Racetrac on Hwy 5.

"We suspect they are the same people based on the modus operandi, but we don’t have any identifying photos yet," J.R. Davidson said, Douglasville Police. "We believe they are from Atlanta because of the direction they ran."

Police point out, in a video, it took the suspect eight seconds to reach into the unlocked vehicle and steal a purse. Police believe all five incidents are related even though they do not have any identifying photos of the suspects yet.

On Sunday, Feb. 11, Douglasville Police officers spotted this vehicle and pursued it eastbound on I-20 until it became too dangerous to continue the chase due to weather, speeds, and increasing traffic as they got closer to Atlanta.

Police believe these suspects are from Atlanta and have most likely committed this same type of theft throughout the metro area. They are often in different vehicles and the one we chased had a paper tag that was not identifiable.

Police warn residents to stay alert, keep your vehicle locked, and don't leave valuables in plain view while you are pumping gas.

Photo and video courtesy Douglasville Police Department.