Gas Thefts: School buses and heating oil tanks among targets

[marmar]

AP, via AOL:



As Fuel Prices Rise, So Do Fuel Thefts
By AP
Posted: 2008-06-02 09:55:08


BANGOR, Maine (AP) - As gasoline and heating oil prices rise to record levels, police say theft reports are also on the rise of gas being siphoned from cars, construction equipment and even school buses, and oil being drained out of heating fuel tanks.

It seems that no type of fuel - and no amount - is safe these days.

"It's no different than recent thefts of copper pipes or catalytic converters from cars, which have increased in value," Washington County Sheriff Donnie Smith said this week. "This (fuel thefts) isn't something we saw even a couple years ago, but if the value is there, people will take it."

Law enforcement officials say they fear the recent thefts are only the beginning.

Christopher Coleman, head of the Maine State Police unit for Hancock and Washington counties, said troopers in his unit lately have been running from one fuel theft to the next.

"If gas or heating fuel goes above $5 a gallon like people think it's going to, we're only going to see more," he said.

Gas station drive-offs and siphoning from cars are the most common types of fuel thefts, and many gas stations now require motorists to pay before they pump.

But thieves have also set their sights on other targets. .....(more)

The complete piece is at: http://autos.aol.com/article/news/_a/as-fuel-prices-rise-so-do-fuel-thefts/20080602095309990002?ncid=AOLCOMMautodynlsec0004

[MercutioATC]

1. To clarify, heating fuel and diesel fuel are the same thing.

It's illegal because they have different taxes, but you can use home heating oil in any diesel vehicle.

[wtmusic]

2. Where is my locking gas cap from the 70's?

I know it's around here somewhere *looks under Peter Frampton Comes Alive LP* :P