GAS THEIF! Beware, its a shame really....

[WillP]

So here's the story. Friday night someone took either a screw driver or and ice pick into the bottom of my gas tank. At first I didn't really beleive that someone stoop that low for a gallon of gas. It seems I'm truly wrong on this one though. They emptied out over 3/4 of a gas tank (a small SUV) for mayyyyybbeeee a gallon of gas. They punctured a whole and let the gas drain out into a small gas can tucked under my truck. Left the scene and came back to get the can. Not only that but now I'm stuck trying to fix this gas tank that they went psycho on. At first I thought it was a drill, but after a little closer look, it seems they went psycho shower scene on my poor tank. I'm not sure if I can fix it or if I'll have to buy a new one. Looks like multiple holes...

What is really bad, is my neighbor got hit as well. Same thing on his truck. I went to introduce myself tonight and let them know, and I'll be damned if he said......."me too" and pointed to his truck with a massive gas stain underneath just like mine. Just a shame really. We are all having a tougher time as it is....and its just a shame that some have to make it even tougher on others.

Just wanted to give anyone a heads up, I went tonight and bought a lock gas cap for my truck (although it doesn't really matter).

So if you have a plastic gas tank beware!

 

[GBShorts]

I have heard about this!!

That's absolutely ridiculous. I guess it's a statement to where society is headed.

The thief probably used it to mow his lawn. :X

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

That is happening in our state too. I just herd about it. They puncture the tank and put a bucket under the puncture hole. So stealing your gas is not enough now you have to pay a deductable to get a new tank. I cant believe some people. I am sorry this happened to you.

 

[Regina]

I'm so sorry this happened to you Will.

Unfortunately, similar things happened in the late 70's when we were dealing with gas shortages. It's sick what some people will do for a gallon of gas.

 

[mantaz]

A locking gas cap will make them punch a whole in your tank. Cheaper for them to syphone it out than for you to replace the tank. So sorry that happened to you. I worry that may start happening in our area too.

 

[Timon-n-Pumbaa Fan]

I hate to even ask this, but....
How do you know if you have a plastic gas tank?

 

[polineedyan]

Grrreeaaaat...

 

[DisDarling]

I am so sorry Will, this is really unfortunate. Lots of prayers that you will be able to fix it.

Amy

 

[tinkbutt]

great what is happening to the world?!!!

 

[lttlmc3]

Good God! I haven't even heard about this! The police agency I work for has had a lot of gas drive-offs, but nothing like this. Guess its coming though. Sad.

 

[rmom50]

I'm so sorry. ​

 

[concept5123]

yup yup its happening a lot here in sc and the bad thing is gas is only 3.77 here.
but to answer a question most tanks are plastic now if your car is made in the 90's and up

 

[miss missy]

Hear this is happening here too. What a pain in the ... like we don't have enough to worry about huh.

Mechanics, police say gas theft changing with times
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080527/ap_on_bi_ge/punctured_gas_tanks

I guess parking in well lit areas is one thing we can do. But I don't think much will work to stop these creep!

 

[~Fisharefriends~]

thats awful, the things people stoop to. I hope you manage to get it sorted without too much expense. I havent heard of anything like that happeneing over here yet but im sure it wont be long.

 

[Disneybridein2k3]

I don't mean to go all insurance on you, but now might be a good time to re-evaluate your comp deductible. Vandalism (like this) is covered under comp and if your comprehensive ded is $0 then it is covered in full. A vandalism is still a pain, but at least your aren't coming out of pocket with any cash. (I don't sell insurance, I just handle the claims)

 

[MomPotz]

I'm sorry this happened to you Will. My husband has a big truck so as soon as the gas prices started rising, he bought a locking gas cap, then we started hearing stories about them drilling a hole in the gas tank. Another thing they are doing around here is stealing your license plates, putting them on their vehicle and then doing a drive off at the gas station.

 

[ADP]

Sorry to hear this Will. Stories like this are becoming more and more common unfortunately. People are getting more desperate these days to be able to do the basic things in life; even at the expense of someone else's grief. It's just a shame!

 

[safetymom]

Will I am sorry to hear about your car. I think we all have to be more careful now. It's a shame that they damaged your car.

 

[Annette_VA]

I'm so sorry, Will! People suck sometimes

 

[kab407]

Will, I am so sorry to hear this and for the hassle you now have to go thru. (Maybe you future MIL will help out.)

Seriously, in my rather quiet community incidents of gas syphoning and puncturing gas tanks are on the rise. I remember this from the late 70s. I never thought it would happen again.