Several cars stolen at Orlando gas stations this month

Thieves target people who leave keys in cars, cops say

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Police Department sent out a warning to drivers after several people had their cars stolen from gas stations this month.

Officers said the thieves targeted cars left running or the keys left behind. It's something a lot of drivers do without a second thought.

"You never really think about anybody stealing your car when you're running into the gas station. You're not thinking about that," one driver said.

The thieves hit up 7-Eleven convenience stores and gas stations on Kirkman Road, Conroy Road, South John Young Parkway and LB McLeod. They stole two BMWs, two Infinitis and four other cars over a three-week period.

In one instance, they stole a car that was not running, but the driver had a "push to start" and was in close enough proximity that they were able to get away with it.

In most cases, the suspect was a teenage black male. Police did catch a 13- and 16-year-old days ago after they stole a Dodge Ram at the 7-Eleven at 846 Kirkman Road. They are investigating to see if they are connected to other robberies.