Watch Out, Minnesota: 'Car Hoppers' on the Prowl!

These days, it's hard to keep up with all the new tricks scammers are using. They send emails, text messages, or even call us pretending to be someone we know. Now, they're using AI to make the calls sound real! All this tech stuff makes us forget about the old-fashioned crimes happening right in front of us. One of these is the "slider" crime. Slider crimes have been around for a while, but criminals are getting bolder. These guys quickly jump into unlocked cars and grab whatever they can find. They're called "sliders" because they move fast. You can find them at gas stations, parking lots, daycare centers, and even in your own driveway. They're after wallets, phones, laptops, and sometimes, your whole car. Imagine this: You pull up to a gas station, and someone follows you. While you're pumping gas, they open your other door and snatch your stuff. In some cases, there are two criminals working together. One blocks your car while the other grabs your valuables. It's scary, but you can prevent it. To stay safe, lock your car when you get out, even if you're just pumping gas. Don't leave your keys in the car or valuables in plain sight. If you see someone trying to steal your stuff, don't fight back. They might have a weapon, and it's not worth the risk.