Gas prices spuring uptick in thefts
By Roger Larson | 3rd July 2008
Driving up the gas pump recently can elicit that “internal silent scream.” Compounding the initial pump investment” is the potential to have such precious drops taken out of the tank. Rick Atterberry, University of Illinois Communications Specialist, provides some thoughts on reducing the potential for gasoline theft.
“So-called “drive away” thefts of gasoline are increasingly common in daily police reports, but gas stations are not the only victims of theft of fuel. With the high price of gasoline, diesel and fuel oil, motorists and producers need to be aware of steps they can take to reduce the risk of someone siphoning petroleum products from their tanks. It’s frustrating to start to drive to school or work in the morning or begin a day’s activities in the field only to find that someone has drained your tank nearly dry.
The most obvious theft prevention device is a locking fuel tank cap. They range in price from $12 to $30 at auto parts stores in the Midwest. Locking caps are also available for most above-ground fuel storage tanks. Be certain, however, that any after-market locking cap you purchase follows the pressurization/venting scheme for your particular vehicle model or pumping system. Also, make sure that your fuel filler door will properly close over any locking device you purchase. In the unfortunate event your vehicle is stolen, police say that a locking gas cap will limit the distance it can be driven and may aid in recovery if the vehicle has to be abandoned in a public place because it is out of gas.
If your vehicle is equipped with an alarm system, be sure to arm it, even in your own driveway. Some vehicles also employ other devices to protect against gasoline theft including filler doors that open from the interior only (making it doubly important that you lock your vehicle) or physical barriers in the filler tube that prevent siphon hoses from reaching the tank. Check with your dealer for details.
In addition, you can protect your vehicle or fuel tank from theft by making certain it is kept in a garage or a well-lit area. If you park your car or truck in your driveway, a motion-detecting light mounted on your house or garage is an efficient way to provide security at a nominal cost. Be certain the light is installed according to the local electrical code. In rural areas, pole lights can often be leased from the local utility company or co-operative at a reasonable monthly cost.
It is also a good idea to keep track of your vehicle’s average gas mileage. If your gas mileage suddenly drops precipitously, it could be that someone’s siphoning smaller amounts from your tank. It could also mean something is wrong with your car or truck that is causing expensive fuel to be wasted.
Fuel theft is more than a costly nuisance. In a worst-case scenario the thief may spill a large quantity of fuel on the ground, creating an environmental hazard and cleanup challenge. As the “owner” of the fuel, you could be held liable for cleanup costs and/or fines.
As fuel prices remain high, simple methods to deter theft become more cost efficient.
On a related topic, although we may think we’re saving resources by pressing “no” when asked at the pump if we want a receipt, it’s a good idea to keep the receipt and read it. Make sure the price on the receipt and pump matches that displayed on the sign at the service station. It is also important to have a receipt in the event you have engine trouble attributable to “bad” gas…water in the fuel, debris from the tank or pump, etc. To provide evidence of where and when you have purchased fuel, keep the receipt and write your odometer reading on it.”
If you have other questions, call the Peoria County Extension Office. The number is 309-685-3140 or check the website at www.extension.uiuc.edu/peoria.