'Slider' Stealing Items from Cars While Owners Pump Gas: Cops

Surveillance photos of man and vehicle spotted in Oak Lawn and other communities taking items out of cars while owners are pumping gas.

OAK LAWN, IL -- Oak Lawn Police are advising residents to pay attention to their vehicles at gas stations after having items like purses, wallets and cell phones being grabbed out of their cars while motorists are pumping gas.

Two recent car burglaries were reported at 111th St. and Pulaski Road while both victims were pumping gas. Both burglaries happened during daytime hours.

According to police, the "slider" has pulled his vehicle up next to the motorist’s car while the motorist was distracted pumping gas. The man entered the opposite side of the vehicle where the motorist is standing and removed items left unsecured inside the vehicle.

The purported slider’s vehicle has been described as an older, gold Honda Accord with a sunroof and no front license plate. Other communities have also received reports of the same vehicle being involved in similar crimes where motorists have had items stolen out of their cars at gas stations.

A dealer license plate was reported being on the rear of the car in several of the other crimes.

The offender is described as a male, unknown race, between the ages of 25 to 35, with average height and average build.

Police have released surveillance photos taken of the alleged slider and vehicle spotted at the gas stations where the crimes happened.

Motorists should lock their car doors and roll up their windows when pumping gas into their vehicles, and not leave valuables laying on the seats, when they are not able to keep an eye on their vehicle.

Call 911 immediately if you see suspicious subjects hanging around gas stations or approaching cars.