BACKGROUND

Vehicle security systems are to prevent theft of a vehicle and, in some cases, security systems prevent break-in to a vehicle by a thief intent on stealing contents (e.g., personal belongings) of the protected vehicle. In prior art systems, a vehicle security system is engaged when the vehicle is to be left unattended for a period of time. In most cases, a vehicle security system will engage as part of a “locking and securing” of the vehicle. That is, a driver leaving a vehicle will close all windows and doors and then engage door locking mechanisms to activate a security system prior to departing from the general area of where the vehicle is parked.

When a vehicle is performing a refueling operation, the usual process includes: pulling the vehicle into a gas station; positioning the vehicle with a side of the vehicle having a gas tank lid next to a gas pump; exiting the vehicle; interacting with the gas pump (e.g., to pay or select fuel grade); inserting a gas pump nozzle; waiting for the gas to be dispensed; interacting with the gas pump (e.g., completing transaction); and re-entering the vehicle. During these activities it may be possible for a driver (or other person performing refueling operation) to have moments of inattentiveness toward their overall surroundings. Specifically, the person performing the refueling may have a “blind side” with respect to their own vehicle. The blind side represents a side of the vehicle opposite the gas tank lid on a far side from the position of the driver while refueling. The blind side, as the name implies, may have an obstructed view.

One specific type of crime is referred to as “sliding.” The crime of sliding involves a stranger approaching the blind side of the vehicle where the driver may not have full visibility. The thief then enters or reaches into the vehicle (e.g., a “reach and grab” through an open window) and quickly grabs personal items (e.g., cell phone, parcel, purse) from the vehicle. After the thief has obtained an item, they quickly and quietly return to their vehicle (which in some cases has been pulled alongside the target vehicle) and exit the area. Due to its quick nature, a sliding style theft is difficult to prevent or prosecute. Disclosed implementations of a vehicle security system include automatically activated features and premises detection/monitoring techniques to provide detection of a sliding or attempted sliding type crimes (e.g., different types of reach and grab crimes).

