Baltimore police are warning of an unusual way thieves are catching drivers off guard. It's a natural reaction for drivers rear-ended by another car to get out and check for damage and talk to the other driver, but city police said thieves are counting on that to steal your car. Police say they're investigating three different incidents that have taken place between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m.

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Baltimore police are warning of an unusual way thieves are catching drivers off guard.Download the WBAL appIt's a natural reaction for drivers rear-ended by another car to get out and check for damage and talk to the other driver, but city police said thieves are counting on that to steal someone's car.Police say they're investigating three different incidents that have taken place between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m.Police are investigating a minor traffic accident early Sunday morning in the 600 block of West 33rd Street in Hampden, where a vehicle bumped the rear of another car."Through no fault of the driver getting out to examine the damage, the suspects are stealing that person's car. We don't want anyone else to become a victim," Baltimore police Lt. Jarron Jackson said.According to a police report, one of the thieves hit the victim in the head and threw him to the ground before his Honda Civic disappeared. Investigators think it is the same three thieves who used the same tactics to steal an Acura TL in the 1300 block of East Northern Parkway and another Acura in the 3800 block of Harford Road."We believe it's the same group in all of these instances. We know they have used a black SUV, but we don't want our viewers looking for a black SUV. Again, they could be using any type of vehicle. We want you to be cautious and aware of what's going on if you find yourself involved," Jackson said.Jackson offered the following advice to drivers who find themselves in a similar incident: "If you find yourself involved in a motor vehicle accident, try to pull into a well-lit area. Call 911. If you have any apprehension or suspicion about the people involved, lock your car doors and wait until officers arrive."Police said they continue to search for the cars that were stolen.22874254