While there are no national statistics yet tracking an increase in gas thefts, police across the country say they’re investigating more reports than ever before:

Using an empty gas can and a siphon, thieves were able to suck 30 gallons of diesel from a bus in a parking lot.

In Beaver Dam, Wis., “they’re just going to cars at night and siphoning gas out of them,” said Stephanie Lehmann, who said several cars in her neighborhood had been hit.

Police in Evansville, Ind., said thieves drained all of the fuel this month from seven trucks belonging to a local office of JBM Inc., a metal fabrication chain. They put the loss at $700.

And police in Denver are investigating a rash of of incidents in which thieves drill small holes into gas tanks and siphon off the fuel. “This is clearly not the way it’s been done in the past, by taking a hose and putting it in a gas tank,” police Detective John White said.

How to thwart gas thievesPolice suggest taking the following steps to keep your car safe:
— Park in a locked garage.

— If you park on the street, position your vehicle under street lighting.

— When away from home, park in well-lighted and well-traveled areas.

Avoid parking in public lots for long periods of time.

— Avoid parking where your fuel door would be obscured by heavy landscaping, isolated corners or high walls.

— Consider buying a locking gas cap.

Contact police if you see any suspicious behavior around unattended parked vehicles.

__ Consider surveillance camera’s to catch
a thief in the act and use as evidence to convict them.

Find surveillance equiptment here.

Cordially,
Roger