Apr 21, 2008 6:27 pm US/Pacific
High Prices Leading To Spike In Bay Area Gas Theft
SAN JOSE (BCN) ―
The San Jose Police Department is warning businesses and motorists to be wary of where they park their vehicles following an increase of gas thefts in the city.
Sgt. Mike Sullivan attributed the spike in crimes to record-high prices of gas. Gas prices are nearing $4 a gallon in the Bay Area, according to the latest information distributed by the American Automobile Association.
Most of the reported gas thefts have targeted larger vehicles such as vans, trucks and sport utility vehicles, however Sullivan said other cars may also be targeted.
"Any car is vulnerable now to gas theft," he said Monday.
The most recent incident was reported at about 5:20 a.m. Monday when two vans of 1-800-DryClean were targeted in the area of South Winchester Boulevard and Williams Road, according to Sullivan.
San Jose police Officer Jermaine Thomas said that the gas tanks were punctured, spilling a large amount gas onto the pavement. It's not clear how much gas was taken, but fire crews responded to the area to clean up the gas that spilled.
There have been about 10 reports over the last couple weeks, mostly from businesses, Sullivan said. Gas was taken last week from several vans of the Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties, a nonprofit that provides food to low-income households.
Motorists are advised to place vehicles inside when possible and businesses should park vehicles behind fences, according to police.
Sullivan also recommended that motorists park in lighted areas.
Thomas said most thefts occur late at night and early in the morning when there is limited foot traffic.
He said it appears that most thefts of gas are for personal use and committed by people who don't want to spend the money on increasing gas prices.
(© CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Bay City News contributed to this report.)
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