As Gasoline Prices Soar, Fuel Thieves Run Rampant
|
October 7, 2008
| By:
Comments (
1
)Recently, a thief confessed to stealing at least 20,000 gallons of gasoline in a series of thefts in the Pacfic Northwest. The value of that fuel? Close to $75,000.
As fuel prices remain high, incidents like this are becoming all too common throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Crafty thieves have learned to manipulate gas pumps' computer systems to pump for free. Some pose as maintenance workers and tap the metering system to release fuel. Others simply puncture a gas station's underground fuel tank and guzzle out as much fuel as they can.
Gas siphoning from commercial vehicles is also becoming common. Semi-trucks are one of the biggest targets for crooks targeting diesel fuel. Truckers who leave their trucks at a rest stop or motel parking lot for the night often return to find their fuel tank empty.
Everyday drivers are falling victim to fuel thieves too--especially full-size trucks and SUVs with large, elevated tanks. Crooks use several methods: cutting the fuel line and draining fuel, drilling a hole directly into the tank, or removing the gas cap and siphoning fuel with a hose. More aggressive thieves simply hijack drivers at gunpoint and drive the vehicle away.
According to Newsweek, gas thefts cost the convenience store industry $300 million in 2005--a time when fuel prices were comparatively cheap. With gasoline prices currently around $3.50 per gallon, the numbers for 2008 could skyrocket.
To stem the tide, a number of states have implemented harsh penalties for fuel thieves, with high fines, jail time, loss of license, and vehicle confiscation.
To protect against fuel theft, the American Automobile Association recommends taking these steps:
• Purchase a locking gas cap
• Park in a locked garage
• Set up a driveway surveillance system, even if it's just a dummy camera
• Replace rubber fuel lines with steel fuel lines
Share this Article:
« The Personal Umbrella Policy: An Invaluable Component of Your Insurance Portfolio | Main | Fire Prevention Week »
I recently used a Budget rental truck to move and was lectured by the Budget manager on how important it was to park the truck so that the gas valve was facing towards the busy intersection. Reason for that was to lessen the chance of someone siphoning the gas. He went on a tangent about it becoming a big problem the lately and understandably, it has a GIANT gas tank!