Gas thefts are on the rise due to record high prices at the pump.
During the gas crisis of the 1970’s, thieves would siphon gas right out of the vehicle’s tank. Vehicles now have either a locked gas tank or have an anti-rollover valve between the fuel tank and the filler neck that makes it more difficult.
Thieves have now come up with another way to get the gas from personal vehicles. Now they are drilling directly into the tank and draining them of every drop.
Gene Laducer with AAA Nebraska tells KLIN News, “This is similar to what we have been dealing with the last few years with catalytic converters. It is quick to accomplish if the thief has been doing it for a while and it is hard to track and hard to prevent.”
Victims of fuel tank gas theft typically can smell gas as you approach your vehicle. They also recommend looking for a puddle under the vehicle near the tank. If the vehicle starts, the fuel gauge will show empty and the check engine light may come on.
Laducer says victims have one choice, to replace the tank. He says, “Unfortunately, they are not cheap. It is a repair that is very costly, up to $1,000 for a new gasoline tank on a car.” It isn’t nearly as dangerous to drill into tanks as now many are made of plastic. Laducer says, “There are not the sparks you would consider when drilling into metal so it is a lot safer drilling into a plastic tank then it used to be with a metal tank. Thieves know that and are taking advantage of it.”
There are a few preventative steps to take from falling victim. Laducer suggests parking your vehicle inside a garage. If you have to park in a driveway, make sure to have motion detection lights and a security cameras. If you are parking on the street, make sure to park in well lit areas and where there is heavy foot traffic. If you are parking in a parking garage, park near the stairs or elevator where people walk and travel frequently. Those steps can help prevent theft.