SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, CA. (Pain In The Pass) >> Thieves are now going to drastic lengths to steal gasoline after the price of fuel has skyrocketed in the wake of the war in Ukraine.
In the past month, there have been multiple cases reported in San Bernardino County of holes being drilled into gas tanks.
Experts warn vehicle owners if they smell gasoline near your vehicle, first move away and remember fumes are flammable. Then check for gas puddle under the vehicle when its safe to.
Pain In The Pass Facebook Group suggests you take the following precautions to protect yourself and your vehicles:
•Park in the garage at your home if you have one.
•When out in public, park in a well-lit area with high foot traffic. If possible, park in a secure location like a fenced-in lot or parking garage.
•When parking in a garage, find a spot near the exit or elevator as those have the most visibility and foot traffic.
•Those at greater risk are pickup trucks or SUV since the higher vehicles are easier to crawl underneath to drill and fill a gas can.
If you suspect you have been a victim of fuel theft, you should look for the following signs:
•The smell of gasoline as you approach your vehicle.
•Puddle underneath your vehicle near the location of the fuel tank.
•The vehicle does not start.
•The vehicle starts but the fuel gauge shows fuel is missing and/or the check engine light is illuminated.
On average, it costs from $1,200 to $1,400 to replace a gas tank, while filling up a 15-gallon tank at the current prices will cost about $80.
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