Don’t Let Thieves Drain Your Gas Tank

 

High gas prices have caused many of us to feel the sting every time we fill up, and as gas becomes more expensive, there are some folks out there who going to extremes to separate you from your fuel.

Where once upon a time gas stealing was simply an issue of people driving off without paying, now thieves are going to new and curious lengths to fill their own tanks, and you could find yourself a victim with an empty tank and an expensive auto body shop bill.

Some gas-stealing schemes involve crooks pulling into petrol stations with modified tow trailers, which they fill while attempting to distract an unsuspecting attendant. An increasingly common theft now involves thieves drilling into your tank, and draining the gas from your car. Most modern cars today contain a device which prevents your tank from having gas siphoned from it, but your tank can still be punctured.

Your best defense against these thefts is prevention, and police recommend taking a couple simple measures to help keep on guard against these crooks.

• Use a locking gas cap. These can be purchased at any auto parts store, and make sure to find one suited to your particular vehicle.
• If your car is equipped with an alarm system, make sure to engage it when you leave your car—even if you are parked in your own driveway.
• Always try to park in a well-lit area. If you have a driveway at your home where you park your car, consider mounting motion-sensing lights on your house to help add a bit of extra security.
• Keep track of your car’s average mileage. If you are suddenly experiencing a drop in miles per gallon, it could be an indication that your gas tank has been tampered with.

It’s easy to take for granted that your vehicle could potentially be an easy target for thieves looking for an opportunity, but taking a few preventative steps can help protect you from being a victim.

There’s plenty of advice right here at the AMW Safety Center to help equip you with the tools and knowledge that might help protect you and your belongings.