Don't Be a Victim: Smash and Grab

WSVN -- You're doing an everyday thing, like filling up your car, and, in a second...

Mary Williams: "When I come back, my husband tells me they broke the window and grabbed my purse."

Mary Williams became the victim of what police call a smash and grab thief.

The thief smashed the window of the car grabbed her purse and ran.

Officer Frank Jackson: "All an individual has to do is simply walk by, reach his hand into their car, remove their property, and they are gone"

Don't be a victim.

Officer Frank Jackson of the Coral Gables Police says the number one thing to remember is assume you're a target.

Officer Frank Jackson: "Put your windows up so that makes it that much harder to get access to your car.

"Number two, turn your car off and take the keys with you.

"Number three, activate any type of alarm that you have.

"Number four would be if you're talking on the cell phone don't do it."

The key is to make it difficult for thieves. If they see you lock the car and turn on the alarm they're going to look for an easier target.

There was a happy ending for the Williams. The police caught the thieves.

But they have a message for anyone else thinking of turning to this crime of opportunity.

Officer Frank Jackson: "I think its pathetic, and if anyone out there hears me: its pathetic, totally pathetic."

Tom Haynes: "Officer Jackson says if you can, pump your gas during busy times, so there are plenty of people around. If that's impossible, park where the attendant inside can see you."