Gas And Fuel Thefts On The Rise As Russian Invasion Of Ukraine Causes Prices To Spike

Amid a surge in gas prices due to the Russia-Ukraine war, there have been several cases in the U.S. of thieves stealing gas from gas stations and cars.

On Saturday, thieves stole 1,000 gallons of diesel fuel from the underground fuel storage tank of a family-owned gas station in Houston, according to ABC News.

Thieves have also stolen gas directly from cars by drilling a hole in the fuel tank, which is relatively easy to do. One of the first concerns is that the vehicle is left with no gas in the tank. It also presents a serious fire hazard.

Those who are affected have to get entirely new fuel tanks for their cars. The Renton Police Department in Washington state wrote a public Facebook post with advice for car owners and recommendations to better protect the fuel from theft, which does not apply to those with fully electric vehicles.

One of the first suggestions was to invest in locking gas caps for fuel doors and gas caps. Police cautioned against buying cheap versions that are easy to break into. Another suggestion was to park in well-lit and traveled locations, and parking in a garage when possible.

If there is no garage available, “try to create a space near your home with‌ cameras, with security lights, something that’s going to deter thieves,” experts told NBC News.

Police suggested not leaving a car alone in a public space for a long period, like at an airport or train parking lot for travel. Instead, carpool, call a cab, or ask a friend for a ride instead of parking a car for days on end.

The family business whose fuel was stolen has already invested in new locks for the fuel storage lids.

The Renton Police Department also recommends anyone who stores fuel containers to “evaluate what can be done to better secure and/or reinforce them from easy access. This could mean housing them within a more secure structure or replacing or modifying the access port.”