Criminals are resorting to nefarious methods to avoid the pain of sharply rising gasoline prices.
Police departments across the United States and Canada are recording an increase in so-called drive-off gasoline thefts. In some cases, tools have been used to puncture and drain gas tanks.
“We put out some social media recently warning people that we are seeing a few cases of suspects using power drills to puncture a hole and siphon gas,” said Kerby Duncan, acting public information officer for the Everett, Washington, Police Department.
“There have only been a few cases of this and we wanted to educate our community on how to protect themselves, and with sharply rising gas prices, we would expect to see more.”
In the city of Hoquiam, Washington, Police Chief Jeff Myers said gas theft is getting worse with soaring fuel prices.
“What else goes up with high gas prices? Gas theft,” Myers posted on Facebook.
“The cost of gas going up and up almost daily, plus overall inflation at 7.5 percent, puts a real bind on the old wallet. This also triggers those who don’t want to pay to have an incentive to steal your hard-earned gas ... sometimes right out of your own car.”
In San Diego on March 15, a gallon of regular cost $5.35 and as much as $6.09.
In Flagstaff, Arizona, where prices are generally much lower, a gallon of regular costs $4.58 or more.
“If you have the ability, it is a good idea to purchase a locking gas cap,” Myers wrote. “Also, be aware that thieves will crawl under a larger vehicle such as a pickup or large truck and cut the rubber filler neck leading to the tank in order to siphon out the fuel.”
“Even with a locking gas cap, it is always good to park your vehicle in a visible and well-lit area. Make sure to keep an eye out in your neighborhood for suspicious persons or vehicles lingering in the area,” he said.
The Shasta County Sheriff’s Office in California also warned drivers to be on alert for gas theft as prices spike.
“Of course, purchasing a locking gas cap and parking in a visible, well-lit area are on the top of the list, thieves have begun cutting filler lines and puncturing gas tanks to steal gasoline rather than siphoning,” the agency posted on Facebook.
“Hole[s] are being drilled in the tank or lines are being cut that lead to an expensive repair for the vehicle owner. Locking gas caps or anti-siphoning devices help with siphoning fuel.”
The agency advised drivers to position the vehicle so the gas tank or cover can be easily seen.
“Extra lighting in front of your residence or parking area is always a good idea along with the presence of surveillance cameras,” the agency said.
While Phoenix police said they haven’t seen any increase in reports of gas thefts, drivers are encouraged to park in secure, well-lit areas, Police Sgt. Ann Justus said.
AAA currently doesn’t track gas theft, spokesman Andrew Gross said. But with modern vehicles, “you can no longer siphon gas from the tank [and] you have to poke a hole in it and drain it,” he told The Epoch Times.
Police in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, reported a “significant increase” in the number of “gas-and-dash” thefts across the region in recent weeks.
“In 2022 alone, we’ve had 35 gasoline drive-offs reported in Sudbury,” the department reported on Facebook. “This is a significant leap when compared to 32 gasoline drive-offs in all of 2021.
Sudbury police attribute the recent “unprecedented high gas prices” as the likely cause for the increase.
“We remind motorists the theft of gas is a criminal offense that could result in arrest and charges. We urge business operators to consider using gasoline pumps equipped with prepayment technology,” the department said.
Duncan said a good deterrent is to place a camera with a sign warning potential thieves. Everett police are currently employing a “bait-car” program in an attempt to catch potential thieves.
“Locking gas caps do work in some cases, if the suspect is using a hose to siphon gas, but won’t protect against a drill,” he told The Epoch Times.
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