Austin police warn public of auto theft scam

Austin police are warning the public about an auto theft scam. About a dozen incidents happened in Southeast Austin in January.

The Austin Police Department says the scam includes a group of teenage girls who target Hispanic males, often Spanish speaking Hispanic males. Police say the girls typically approach the male victims at a gas station and ask for a ride. While on the road the girls ask them to stop at a different gas station, making the victims get out their car. Police say that’s when the scammers flee with the car.

APD is reminding the public to never give rides to people they don't know or leave their car unattended while it's running or unlocked.