Car Stolen When Owner Visits Beachwood Gas Station

BEACHWOOD, OH — A car was stolen while it was left outside a Beachwood gas station on Wednesday. The crime follows a pattern of vehicle thefts that have recently plagued east side suburbs.

This incident took place at the True North Shell Station, 26100 Chagrin Blvd. The car's owner went inside the station to shop, but left his car running and unlocked. Thieves hopped in the vehicle and drove it off. They fled the scene before police arrived, according to police reports.

Similar thefts have been taking place in Shaker Heights, where unattended cars have been stolen from in front of gas stations. On Nov. 29, a 2014 black Dodge Journey was stolen from a Shaker Heights resident. The vehicle was at the Sunoco Gas Station on Lee Road and the driver was inside the station during the theft. The car's license plate reads FIT1308.

On Dec. 7, a Lakewood resident had their 2018 Blue Hyundai Santa Fe stolen. The car was left unattended in the parking lot of the BP/711 in the 20000 block of Chagrin Boulevard. The car's license plate reads GYE4309.

Shaker Heights Police have already told residents that they should never leave an unlocked, running car unattended. It appears that's good advice for Beachwood residents to follow as well.

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