It was Bound to happen Sooner or Later

Originally Posted by News at 10

Gas thieves have moved beyond siphoning fuel from tanks. Now some are drilling holes in tanks to drain them, resulting in empty tanks, expensive repairs and danger to the thieves.

A tiny hole drilled into the tank of Anthony Vera's Dodge pick-up is costing him big money. Thieves not only stole a tankful of gas but Vera has go through the hassle of getting his truck repaired.

"It takes about $600 to replace that tank," Vera said. "I drove around the neighborhood to see if anyone else had anything similar and just noticed a couple of Dodge 1500s just like mine that had the same thing."

Dodge service manager Ron Moore said he's seen three trucks, including Vera's come into his shop recently with the gas tanks drilled. "With the prices the way that they are, I'm sure it'll start happening a lot more." Moore said, adding, "Now they can't siphon it because there's a rollover ball inside the tank."

Gas thieves may think they're being clever but all it takes is one spark from a power drill to set the gas tank and themselves on fire, Moore said. Fire investigators think that's what happened when three U.S. Postal Service trucks parked overnight were found burned last January.

Police recommend the following precautions for vehicle owners:


Park vehicles in the garage whenever possible.


Install motion-sensor lighting in the front of residences and where vehicles are parked at businesses overnight. Bright lighting is a deterrent to thieves.


Costly but most effective is to install a video surveillance systems. Signs announcing the security cameras may discourage some thieves. The rest will be caught on tape.

Gas theft is still considered petty theft, even now with the price of unleaded regular gas at a record $3.26 in the Sacramento area.