Thieves Prey On Raleigh Motorists In Distress

One instance of the alleged plot occurred recently in the parking lot of the Bank Of America located at the corner of

Capital Boulevard and Spring Forest Road

, in which police said the thieves punctured the tires of parked cars while their drivers were inside the bank.

Once the motorists left the bank, police said, the thieves then followed them until the tires went flat. They would then offer to help, but instead, stole from the victims, authorities said.

Police said the two men also tried the plot at an area electronic store.

The assailants took purses and bank bags, attempted to steal a laptop and even attempted to use a bankcard taken in one of the crimes, police said.

During the past month, police received reports of four suspicious incidents, including locations on Old Wake Forest Road and Kincaid Drive.

Bank of America customers said Saturday they would be on the lookout.

"I'm from a small town and I would just expect someone to pull over and help me out. But if someone stole from me that would be a different story," said customer Jeremy Wilkes.

Anyone with information about the plot or the assailants is asked to contact the Raleigh Police Department at

.