Gas Thefts on the Rise in Lubbock
By: Lisa Carr
Updated: June 11, 2008
Gas prices are soaring and Lubbock police say gas thefts are also on the rise, but the thieves aren't stealing from gas stations, they're stealing from other drivers. Police say in the last three months they've seen about fifty cases of thieves puncturing the gas tanks of trucks or vans and draining the gas into their own containers. They say there is no fool-proof way to make sure you don't become a victim, but they do have a few tips to make it a little less likely. Police are also asking people to call them if you ever see people walking around late at night with gas cans. If you're caught stealing gas from another car, you can face misdemeanor charges, punishable by up to a year in jail.
Sgt. Mark Watkins with the Lubbock Police Property Crimes Unit says, "If you have a garage, it's a good idea to put a vehicle in there, or a locked area, or use gas cap locks if at all possible ... Also, if you can park your car in a well lit area that would be good."
