Law enforcement warn of gas thefts amid high gas prices - WKRC TV Cincinnati

PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) – The warning is going out across the country. Police in Portland, Oregon, say in just the last week, they've already seen a few cases.

"We are concerned it could continue to happen and we might see a trend," said Sgt. Kevin Allen, spokesman for the Portland Police Bureau.

Allen said the crime of siphoning gas isn't new, but thieves are getting more creative, as gas prices soar to record highs.

"Sometimes, thieves will get under the car and either drill a hole into the tank or get into the gas line and drain the fuel that way," said Allen.

He said not only is it a crime, it's also extremely dangerous.

"If someone is using a drill to drill into someone’s gas tank, you’re risking sparks that could generate a fire or even an explosion," said Allen.

He said drivers should be mindful of evidence that the gas tank has been tampered with. This could include the smell gasoline around the vehicle, metal fragments on the ground or even a pool of gas underneath the vehicle.

Allen also said you can do a few things to try to prevent the theft, like getting a gas cap lock and parking in a garage, well-lit areas or areas with a lot of people.

He said this kind of crime takes time.

"It's not like something you can smash a window and take out, like you could inside a car, this is something that takes work, it takes time, so if you’re parked in an area with more people, it’s going to be harder for that thief to commit that crime," said Allen.

source: https://local12.com/news/nation-world/law-enforcement-warn-of-gas-thefts-amid-high-gas-prices

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