Teens Accused of Snatching Purses From Cars At Gas Pumps

PALOS HEIGHTS, IL —A pair of teens have been charged stealing purses from women’s cars in separate incidents while they were pumping gas on Nov. 17. Both are 17 and have been charged with two counts of auto burglary. Their names are being withheld because they are juveniles.\

The women were gassing up their vehicles on Route 45 in Palos Park. Police said the women noticed they were missing cell phones and purses when they got back into their cars.

Both teens are both from the Chicago area. Palos Park police are working with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Juvenile Division. Some stolen property was recovered.

Motorists are advised to close windows and lock car doors when pumping gas. Thieves who pull this kind of student will often pull into a gas station, as if getting gas themselves. While motorists are occupied at the gas pump, thieves will reach through open windows or open car doors, grabbing whatever looks valuable laying on the front seat. Thieves are especially watching for women who leave their purses on the passenger seat with the doors unlocked and are distracted.

“Do not make the common mistake of thinking, ‘I’m standing next to my car, so no one would be crazy enough to try to break into my car while I’m standing next to it,” said Chief Joe Miller, of the Palos Park Police Department.