NEW YORK (WCBS 880) – A shirtless thief helped himself to a minivan parked at a Brooklyn gas station this week, sending three passengers inside the vehicle running for their safety.

The NYPD released video Tuesday of the brazen theft in Bensonhurst as they search for a suspect.
Video shows the driver of the Honda van pumping gas at the BP station at 18th Avenue and 60th Street around 11:40 p.m. Sunday.
A topless man walks by the van while tying a shirt around his head, video shows.

Moments later, the man hops in the driver’s seat of the van as the panicked driver rushes over and tries to stop him.
Three women or girls then hurry out of the front passenger's seat before the crook speeds off, video shows.
It's unclear if the stolen van was eventually recovered by police.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.
