Tampa Police Department officials are warning residents in the north Tampa area to be on the lookout for purse snatchers that are targeting gas stations.

According to department spokeswoman Andrea Davis, the suspects have hit five gas stations since July 4.

“In each of these cases, the suspects remove the victims' purses from their cars while they are pumping gas or enter the gas station to pay for (it),” Davis wrote in a media release. “Detectives believe they are the same suspects (in all cases).”

While New Tampa businesses have not been impacted, New Tampa residents may want to exercise caution when traveling through certain sections of North Tampa. 

So far, the thieves have struck on these days at these locations:

• July 4th, 1410 E. Hillsborough Ave., (Circle K)
• July 14th, 902 E. Hillsborough Ave., (Marathon)
• July 14th, 1312 E. Busch Blvd., (BP)
• July 17th, 2145 E. Fowler Ave., (BP)
• July 18th, 1312 E. Busch Blvd., (BP)

Davis said that the incidents have occurred at all hours. In one case, the theft occurred around 6 a.m.

The suspects are believed to be driving a late model red or orange Dodge Challenger. Detectives believe they were captured on the surveillance video that accompanies this story.

Anyone with information about the suspects is asked to call CrimeStoppers 813-231-6130.