Beware of ‘Sliders’ When Getting Gas in Michigan

I'm not sure about you, but sometimes, when I'm filling up my truck, I feel like I'm being robbed, especially when you compare Michigan's gas prices to our neighboring states. However, a criminal trend is making its way to the Mitten State that could result in your personal belongings disappearing, thanks to 'Sliders.'

Sliders are thieves who wait in the shadows, or sometimes in plain sight, and wait for your attention to be on the gas pump so they can go about the business of robbing you blind. A Fox17 report reveals this type of crime has been happening for several years, and Michigan authorities have kept residents aware.

Sliders Ditch Cybercrime, Return to Analog Thievery

In a world where we are constantly on guard online, protecting our identity from virtual criminals trying to drain our bank accounts, it's easy to forget that you can be taken advantage of in the real world. Just as we have safeguards like passwords and firewalls in our digital lives, we have locks and alarms in reality. But do you use them all the time?

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Do you lock your doors when getting gas in Michigan—or anywhere else? Sliders are criminals who boldly open unlocked car doors at gas stations and stealthily take your items and cash while you're concentrating on the pump.

As you can see in the above video, it doesn't take long for Sliders to do their dirty work. CrimeDoctors reports that these criminals prefer to target women.

RELATED: Michigan True Crime: DNA Links Serial Killer to 2006 Murder

What do you leave on your passenger seat that could ruin your day, week, or year if it were to disappear? The best defense against Sliders is to lock your door when you get gas in Michigan and everywhere else. It's also a good idea to break the habit of putting your valuables in plain sight, where they make a tempting target.