To all women drivers....BEWARE...

 This was forwarded to me by a relative.  It never hurts to be vigilant and aware this days.

I just want to share with you my experience this afternoon Jan 13, 2011.

At around 4:30 pm while driving along Shaw Blvd right after San Miguel Avenue going towards Pioneer street, a man ( Guy A) walking knocked on the passenger window and with mixed signals pointed at my hood saying there's a spark.

Another man (Guy B) walking also signaled the same so I went towards the driveway of PhilUSA
when I noticed Guy A telling me to park in 10/Q (along Shaw Blvd).  Since the traffic light was green, I decided to go straight to Caltex Service Station at the corner of Pioneer and Shaw Blvd.
When I stopped the car I asked the gasoline boy to check if there is a spark at the bottom of my hood. He said no.

At first I didn't want to believe him thinking that 2 different persons (Guy A & B) pointed to the same problem. Another man whom I thought was a Good Samaritan (Guy C) then asked me to start the engine so he can observe if there was indeed a spark.

Driving within the Caltex gas station but going towards Shaw Blvd (Caltex is located at the corner of Pioneer Street and Shaw Blvd) he then asked me to open the hood.

Thinking that I was  quite safe, being in the gas station, I did what he told me to do. He asked me to get down from the car so I can see the problem. At first I was hesitant but needing to see the problem, I turned off the engine and stepped down from my car. Alarm flashed in my head telling me to lock the car doors (doors automatically open when I turned off the engine).

Thinking that the passenger door is permanently locked, I was a bit comforted knowing that my handbag (which was placed in the middle of the seat on top of the hand brake) is safe.

Guy C then asked me to start the engine so I can see the spark?. Suddenly Guy A came over and checked the problem. He even engaged me in a conversation telling me how he was concerned when he saw the sparks. I noticed he had an open umbrella but it didn't register in my mind that the umbrella was used as a ploy trying to block my view of the whole car.

Guy A wanted me to go near the front. I stayed where I was at the left side of my car near the door.  Part of me was afraid that someone might drive off with my car while I stand in front of the hood. At that point I was kind of pissed with Guy A. Guy C then offered to call a mechanic.
I even asked him if he works nearby (Guy C looks like a messenger, wears a barong and even have an ID around his neck) and he said yes. 
 
So off he went. I didn't bother with Guy A since I went  back inside my car and waited.

After a few minutes, the supervisor of the gas station came to me and asked: " Ma'm are your things intact?" I looked around and said yes. He then repeated his question. That's when I noticed that my handbag was missing.  

He then told me that the gasoline boy saw somebody alight from a Toyota FX (plate no. UAJ 472) and opened the back door and got a black bag while I was busy talking with Guys A & C.

I requested for assistance from the policemen ( in Royal Blue and Black Pants) but they keep pointing me to the next corner until I almost reached the end of Shaw Blvd. All the policemen doesn't have their radio until the Barangay official from Brgy. San Antonio escorted me to the police station.

LESSONS LEARNED:  

1. Always keep your cellphone with you. Don't put it in your handbag. I was lucky enough to get hold of my cellphone as I was about to meet up with a friend who just ended a meeting. This enabled me to call the banks to cancel my ATM and credit cards.

2. Call a friend. When it all happened, I called up a friend to tell her about having problems with my car.

3. Be vigilant while driving. I didn't notice the FX tailing my car from Shaw Blvd to the gas station.
According to the police, the vehicle must have targeted me from my last stop. I just came out of the bank along Shaw Blvd then went to Cherry Supermarket.

4. If you car is well-maintained, don't just stop when someone points out a problem. Drive to the nearest gas  station. My car is only 2-1/2 years old.  There is no way a problem other than flat tire can happen especially if it  is well-maintained. For lady drivers, i suggest you get a wireless tire gauge so you can easily monitor the air pressure of your tires from inside your car. It is a bit costly but it may also save your life especially at night.

5. Don't be too gullible. Even a street-smart person can be deceived. Always be careful.
In situations like these, as there are 5 or 6 men ( driver of the vehicle, the person who got my bag, Guys A, B & C and a look-out). If  you are a target, don't just stop the car. Go to a public place like gas station.

6. Be thankful... After hearing so many stories of women being victimized, I thank God nothing untoward happen to me. My car was not taken from me; I was not harmed nor injured. Never mind about the bag, wallet, money and cards lost.  It can easily be replaced. You only have 1 life.

Please pass to all the women drivers.

According to Capt. Tonga of the Police Precinct in Brgy. San Antonio, something similar happened yesterday (Jan 12) at C5.

I'm sure this won't be the last. If you see a Toyota FX with Plate no. UAJ-472, please report to the nearest police.