Gas prices spark new kind of crime
Sheriff warns residents to be aware of fuel thieves
By Larry Meyer
Argus Observer
Tuesday, June 10, 2008 10:11 AM PDT
VALE — As gas prices climb, one segment of the population is apparently exploiting different methods to obtain fuel, including diesel, without paying, and Malheur County Sheriff Andy Bentz warned that residents should take steps to protect their gas supplies to deter thieves.
Fuel thefts are increasing, Bentz conceded.
“I have recently noticed that reports of theft are above the norm,” he said.
Locked fuel caps on vehicles and equipment may be the simplest step to take, he said, but in some cases, much more has to be done to safeguard fuel supplies.
Even locked fuel caps may not be enough to deter the most ambitious thief.
Tom Hiatt, working the counter at NAPA Auto Parts in Nyssa, said the lock caps will not prevent thefts, but may slow them down.
Bulk fuel tanks are a popular target, but “putting a padlock on the nozzle are not sufficient,” Bentz said.
“There are cases of the hoses being cut,” Bentz said.
He also said holes are also sometimes punched in fuel tanks by thieves.
“Some people are putting in electronic surveillance,” Bentz said.
Having a light is a good deterrent, and Bentz suggested putting fuel tanks in less visible locations.
But it is just not protecting bulk tanks.
Thieves will target equipment left in the field or other easily-accessible places, he said.
The diesel used for farms and other off-road vehicles is not legal on the highway, but people will not get caught unless they are checked, Bentz said, and the average motorist is rarely checked.
Contractors are also a target, he noted, because of the amount of equipment they may have, and they may also carry small cans of gas, three to five gallons, to run the smaller equipment.
If thieves got a little fuel from someone they will be back for more, Bentz said.
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