Even with targeted patrol, thefts from autos at the Sunoco at 6367 New Hampshire Ave. very hard to stop, according to Takoma Park Crime Analyst Andrew Gucciardo.

Despite continually using marked and unmarked units during specific times when the suspects are known to hit, the gas station saw 10 cars burglarized in 2011, more than any other individual spot in Takoma Park.

And since the crime is a misdemeanor theft, not a robbery, police are not allowed to chase suspects over the D.C. line, which is where most of them escape, Gucciardo said.

That's where the public comes in, according to police.

"We feel that the best way to prevent this from occurring is keeping the public aware of the problem," Gucciardo said. "We would hope that victims always lock their cars and remove property from their vehicles when pumping case."

In almost every case females have been targeted because they leave their purses on the front seat, Gucciardo said.