Punctured Gas Tanks

Theft Fuel Rising gas prices spark increase in gas theft..

by Associated Press

Published: Wed, May 28, 2008 - 3:33 pm CST Last Updated: Wed, May 28, 2008 - 3:35 pm CST

UNDATED (AP) - Thieves who target your car these days may leave
the car behind and take the gas.
Police are reporting an increase in gas tank-tapping -- the
drilling or puncturing of gas tanks or gas lines to drain the
petroleum booty that now averages almost $4 a gallon.
For veteran mechanics and law enforcement officers, it's
reminiscent of the gas siphoning in the early 1970s during the
Middle East oil embargo.
Pickup trucks and SUVs are most vulnerable to gas theft because
of their height. Plastic tanks are often the target because they're
safer to drill into.
It's not just gas and diesel that are being stolen. Restaurants
in California and Kansas are reporting thefts of old cooking oil
worth thousands of dollars.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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carl Says:

Thu, May 29, 2008 at 2:50 pm

Those siphoning Kits and hoses are what they referr to as a gas credit card for those who are monetarily disadvantaged. That’s probably how the NEWS 5 TEAM would report it, but we know it means if they catch you looking the other way they’re gonna steal you blind.

KxVx Says:

Thu, May 29, 2008 at 1:17 pm

Carl. You’re the best.

I’m going to write that on my tank in Sharpie!

rmseek1234 Says:

Thu, May 29, 2008 at 12:29 pm

I’ve also heard they are siphoning gas. I have heard this was happening while people were even shopping at Wal-Mart or the mall, or if their car is parked outside. I heard it was happening a good bit with the cars for sale on the side of the road. Apparently there is some sort of siphon kit you can buy, that takes just minutes to drain a tank. I may invest in a locking gas cap, since my SUV is a prime target!

carl Says:

Thu, May 29, 2008 at 10:03 am

If you don’t mind KxVx, I’m changing the words a little on mine ” No sense a drilling,my tank needs afilling”.