WATCH: Thief steals from woman’s SUV while she pumps gas in St. Johns County

St .Augustine, FL. — It could happen to anyone at any time – you get out of your car to pump gas and forget to lock your door when thieves break in.

That’s exactly what happened to a mother in St. Johns County at the Gate Gas Station on S.R. 16 just off I-95.

Exclusive surveillance video shows a man sneak inside the woman’s SUV on the driver’s side and steal her stuff while she was pumping gas in St. Johns County.

St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Chuck Mulligan said the suspects spent several minutes surveying the gas station.

“They are doing nothing but sitting in a vehicle and driving around looking,” Mulligan said.

Looking for the right opportunity and targeting women, said Mulligan.

“They are looking for a female who exits the vehicle without their purse,” Mulligan said.

When the victim got out of her vehicle, the suspects backed up their car to be right next to her.

They waited until she was on the other side of the SUV pumping gas to make their move. A suspect got out of the passenger side and crouched down as he walked toward the victim’s car and got inside.

It took less than 20 seconds for the suspects to commit the crime and getaway undetected.

With drivers hitting the road for the holidays, Mulligan has a warning to keep your guard up.

“Be aware of your surroundings and know what’s happening around you,” Mulligan said.

Action News Jax showed the video to Gia Wingham, who’s traveling to Central Florida to spend Christmas with family.

“I’m sure they are probably hurting for money too just like everybody else, but it’s never a reason to go and steal,” Wingham said.

Wingham said she leaves her doors unlocked when she pumps gas, but after seeing the vdeo she said she’ll change her habits.

“That was crazy,” Wingham said. “I’ve never seen anybody do that.”

Investigators are still searching for the suspects and the car, which they believe had an out of state license plate, possibly from New York.

If you recognize the car, call the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office.

Cox Media Group