So sorry to hear about that. Thanks for the warning.

Geez! That's scary, what if you had been in the car, bent over tying your shoe or something, SheQuit? You could have had a face-to-face encounter with that thief. And he could have gone for your purse. This is another good reason to pay at the pump whenever possible.

Thanks for the wake-up call. I'm usually pretty cautious and suspicious, but your story will reinforce that for me.

I hope, he is a convert now, and will always lock his car.

Yesterday I again saw a purse in a cart, with the shopper at least 10 feet away. I just don't get peeps like that.

Moni

I'ts been happening here in FL for a couple of years. My friend came down from NH and I kep telling her to keep her doors locked. She thought I was nuts. Better safe than sorry.
I lock my car even when I pay at the pump.

That's terrible. I'm glad your dh wasn't harmed by the creep that did that. I'll bet he keeps his doors locked from now on.
Linda

Here in Cali the popular thing is when ladies are pumping their gas and have left all the doors unlocked the thief comes up to the passenger side all hunched over so you can not see them and they open the door and take your purse because most gals leave it on the passenger seat.

If I am in my car it is locked if I am standing just outside the car it is locked with my keys in my pocket or hand.

Lunchlady married '28' years to a Sheriff, he brings me all the info of the latest tricks of the bad guys!!

I always tell my DH, I don't do gas, that's why I have him....But I have heard about these terrible things and it is best to play it safe....Gone are the days, when you left your car sitting anywhere unlocked...Not too long ago, we left the house wide open, we didn't even have a key, but no longer, it's locked all the time...

I always lock my car doors when I'm driving. About ten years ago, I was going to pick up my husband from the train station after work. I left the passenger door unlocked. When I stopped for a red light, a gang of teens ran up to the car and one kid grabbed the door handle. I floored it and the kid flew off. I was terrified! I thought I was almost the victim of a car-jacking!

Thanks for posting this...sure has got me to thinking the risks I've taken...pumping it myself and the passenger door likely unlocked and billfold in full site. I will be more careful now.

You never think it'll happen to you....or at least that's what *I* used to think. I've had my ***LOCKED*** 2003 Camry broken into twice in 12 months since moving to the East Coast. These guys have tools so they can get into your locked car as fast as you and I can get in WITH keys.

Now, I don't leave anything in my car that I don't want to donate to the local drug dealers.

People rag on the midwest, but when I lived in nowhere-land, Illinois, we just didn't have this kinda crime. We didn't have *crime* in our cozy little suburb, probably because half the residents were retired and on the lookout.

Rose

Where I pump gas, it is like grand central station! All kinds of people in and out constantly.

I tend to be aware of those around me, when pumping gas, make sure my car door is closed, and nothing in site that would tempt someone.

I pay at the pump. What amazes me here in Mayberry is the folks in the grocery stores with infants in the grocery cart and Mom half an aisle away.

Shequit,

I'm sorry to hear this. Do you care to share what suburb this is? We lived in Arlington Heights before we moved to Florida.

I don't carry a purse.My everyday jacket has zippered pockets,and i always wear pants with pockets so i always have someplace to put my wallet.

We have a routine when we get in the car,lock the doors,seatbelts on before we even start the car.

I also always pay at the pump and go around 10 to 12 in the morning,i never go at night.

I see people in the grocery store all the time with their purse sitting in the cart,wide open,and they're down the aisle someplace.
Kathi

I always make sure to lock my doors even wehn pumping gas...that is my biggest fear that someone would get in through the opposite side that I'm pumping from and take off with my purse! I thought I was just being paranoid...guess not! I don't trust anyone...hate for anyone to approach me while pumping my gas too to ask for money etc.

I lock up when I go to pay but never thought about locking while I am pumping. Thanks for the warning.

I do just like Lunchlady. I also always have my cell phone on me. It is never left in the vehicle.

I was not sure I would get such a response, but I am glad that this incident helped to alert some folks. I have no idea what good a cell phone would be to someone because as soon as my DH realized what had happened, he called the cell server and they shut the phone off.

As far as a woman with purse in the car, after my friend had her's taken, I lock that door as soon as I step out to pump gas.