Imagine handing your car keys to a criminal only to watch them drive away. That's what happened to two women this past week in Center City. Police say their vehicles were stolen by men posing as valets.
"I just trust them" said Robin Thompson of South Philadelphia. She parks her with a valet almost every day. But she never thought the person pulling away with her car could disappear for good.
"I wouldn't ask questions if there's a stand there and someone is taking tickets and looks like they're supposed to be working" said Chris Gubeno of Conshocken.
Police say on Wednesday a woman who parked at a lot on 19th and JFK Boulevard at 3 p.m. gave her keys to a man she thought was a valet. But she watched the man drive away with her Toyota Camry and never saw the car again.
Then on Friday at a garage on 15th and Sansom streets, a man offered to help park a woman's car and even gave her a valet ticket. But the ticket was expired and the man sped off with her Toyota Rav4.
Police are not sure if the two cases are connected.
"When you come in you always got to wait for a valet to attend you. Don't leave until the valet gives you a ticket." said Center City valet Reynardo Davis who works for Central Parking Systems.
Davis parks more than a hundred cars a day.
So, what should you look for when parking your car?
It sounds simple but Davis recommends you look at what the valet is wearing.
"Look for the name tag. Look for the uniform, confirm the person works here you can talk to the manager" says Davis.
Right now police are looking through surveillance video for clues. So far neither vehicle has been recovered.
Monday, May 20 2013 1:25 PM EDT2013-05-20 17:25:38 GMT
A text message that says "I'm about to leave" is the last time Janet Royer had contact with her son Thursday night. "It's like a nightmare, it's the worst nightmare anyone can think of. I keep thinking
A text message that says "I'm about to leave" is the last time Janet Royer had contact with her son Thursday night.
Tuesday, May 14 2013 8:31 PM EDT2013-05-15 00:31:38 GMT
Kermit Gosnell will spend the rest of his life in prison. The 72-year old abortion provider has waived his right to appeal the first-degree murder charge issued by a jury just one day ago.Dr. Kermit Gosnell
Kermit Gosnell will spend the rest of his life in prison. The 72-year old abortion provider has waived his right to appeal the first-degree murder charge issued by a jury just one day ago.
Monday, May 13 2013 7:03 AM EDT2013-05-13 11:03:57 GMT
It was a heartbreaking Mother's Day for the mom of a shooting victim gunned down on South Street as she travels to Philadelphia to identify the body of her son.
It was a heartbreaking Mother's Day for the mom of a shooting victim gunned down on South Street as she travels to Philadelphia to identify the body of her son.
Tuesday, April 16 2013 9:28 PM EDT2013-04-17 01:28:48 GMT
The shock of Monday's bombing at the Boston Marathon has turned to sadness and anger, but there is a new sense of community and patriotism among the people of Boston.
The shock of Monday's bombing at the Boston Marathon has turned to sadness and anger, but there is a new sense of community and patriotism among the people of Boston.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 1:43 PM EDT2013-05-21 17:43:01 GMT
The Lehigh County District Attorney's office has charged a couple with conspiring to embezzle $854,497 from the utility account of the South Whitehall Finance Department between 1999 and 2012.Nancy Tonkin,
The Lehigh County District Attorney's office has charged a couple with conspiring to embezzle $854,497 from the utility account of the South Whitehall Finance Department between 1999 and 2012.Nancy Tonkin,
Tuesday, May 21 2013 12:38 PM EDT2013-05-21 16:38:51 GMT
Police in Lancaster County are searching for two suspects after a woman called 911 from the trunk of a car to report that she had been abducted by strangers.
Police in Lancaster County are searching for two suspects after a woman called 911 from the trunk of a car to report that she had been abducted by strangers.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 12:33 PM EDT2013-05-21 16:33:17 GMT
Brides are eager to take the last name of their husband after they tie the knot. Recent studies show that only 18% of women are interested in keeping their maiden names- which is down from a record high
More women are going retro when it comes to their last names after they marry, and taking their husband's surname.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 11:18 AM EDT2013-05-21 15:18:39 GMT
Appoquinimink High School officials say a gym teacher and head baseball coach is on administrative leave and barred from contact with students after an arrest on indecent exposure charges.
Appoquinimink High School officials say a gym teacher and head baseball coach is on administrative leave and barred from contact with students after an arrest on indecent exposure charges.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:36 AM EDT2013-05-21 14:36:58 GMT
In a day and age where pampering our dogs is at the top of the to-do list, and our furry friends are on social media, there is a new question to consider- just how smart are our pets? Dognition is giving
What's your dog thinking? Exciting new research that could have you reading your best friend's mind.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:00 AM EDT2013-05-21 14:00:09 GMT
It feels like summer out there. We're expecting milder temperatures than yesterday: highs in the mid 80s. Just like summer, it'll be humid, with a chance of a few spotty showers during the day.
This pattern stays in place until Thursday, when strong thunderstorms usher in cooler air for the holiday weekend.
Tuesday: (83/65) clouds/sun
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Two cars were stolen by men posing as valet drivers last week in Philadelphia. Police are investigating if the cases are connected.
