Gas prices may be slowly on their way down, but that’s not stopping a growing rash of fuel thefts across southern Ontario.
OPP Constable John Reurink says gas and diesel thefts take several forms.
Reurink says fuel is being siphoned from parked vehicles and in urban areas especially there are more incidents of motorists filling up at gas stations then taking off without paying.
Reurink says there are several inexpensive ways to foil potential fuel thieves.
He says your first priority should be to buy a locking gas cap and to keep the key separate from your other vehicle keys.
If you have a garage, Reurink suggests you park your vehicle inside then close and lock the garage door — if you have to park outside, Reurink suggests you leave your vehicle in a well-lit spot.
“Fill Up and Run” is just one form of theft gas station operators are seeing lately and Reurink says it’s wise for them to safeguard their source of supply.
Reurink advises gas stations to shut off the power to underground storage tanks after hours, improve lighting in pump-island areas and install security cameras that can catch vehicle licence plate numbers.
Reurink says those caught stealing gas or diesel will be charged under the Criminal Code of Canada.
He says depending on the value of the haul, the charge is either theft under 5,000 dollars or theft over.
Reurink says fuel thefts have reached epidemic proportions in recent weeks.
Reurink says on one recent weekend, OPP investigated the theft of a total of 80-thousand dollars’ worth of fuel, most of it diesel.
