Gas Thieves Posing New Danger
June 10th, 08It sounds unbelievable until it happens to you, but gas thieves are beginning to strike by larger numbers and using more brazen tactics. This does not come as a complete surprise since the price of gasoline has continued its steady rise to nearly $4.00 as a national average.
Even though the increase in thefts is not surprising it is certainly disturbing. The most traditional method of stealing gas is those motorists who fill up and drive off. To combat this many stations require that drivers prepay before they pump but the last few months has seen a resurgence of this tactic.
“If you have somebody steal $50, $60, $70 worth of gas, it’s going to take a lot of sales to make that up.” The executive director of Indiana Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association stated. On average stations will loose up to $1,000 worth of gas during a year this number is expected to rise over the next few months.
Along with the rise in drive offs, the rate of individual cars being siphoned for their gas is increasing as well. Entire neighborhoods are being plagued by gas thieves and police are virtually unable to stop them.
These gas thefts are even becoming violent in many cases. Reports of fuel tanker drivers being hijacked are being received with frightening frequency.
The stolen gas will then be sold on the black market.
In a creative turn, some thieves like Billy Wayne Collier of Alabama are taking the gas from the source. Collier parked his trailer as the local gas station and with the aid of a pump, and a hose attempted to take the gas from the station’s reserves.
Car owners need to weary about gas thieves. Locking gas caps can be purchased for a small amount but this does not necessarily guarantee protection. Instead, make sure to park in well lit areas and be on the look out for possible tampering of your gas cap since this can be an indication of a botched gas burglary.
Recent auto articles:
- Military Auto Insurance
- Insuring Classic Cars Needs Specialist Insurance
- Smart Cars Gaining In Popularity
- Some Basic Information On Liability Auto Insurance
- The Difference Between Comprehensive Coverage and Collision Coverage
- Collector Car Insurance
- High Risk Auto Insurance
