HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — Police across the country and here in Tampa Bay say the increase in gas prices is leading to an increase in crime. With prices on the rise, it’s turning into something like liquid gold.
In Hillsborough County, deputies uncovered a gas theft ring where the suspects highjack the pump for hours.
Chronister says they got that $60,000 worth for just $6. He says the suspects used homemade devices to override the mechanisms in gas pumps that stop the pump.
It’s happening all over the country in different ways.
In Houston, thieves are accused of taking 360 gallons of gas per day during a three-day stretch from an underground tank. Police in Washington state say people are using power tools to drill holes in gas tanks.
AAA says park inside when you can. If you have to park outside, park in well-lit areas, there are also keyed gas caps you can buy to protect yourself even more.
Punishment for stealing gas ranges from heavy fines to jail time. In either case, it still costs you time and money that could be avoided if you take a couple of extra measures to protect yourself.