Awareness
RCMP are warning residents of a recent trend in which criminals are drilling into vehicle gas tanks in order to steal gasoline.
Since the end of March, RCMP has received several reports of gas tanks drilled into or gas lines cut for the purpose of stealing gasoline. In fact, this has become a reoccurring issue across the country. Vehicles with higher ground clearance, allowing access to the gas tank, have been predominantly targeted thus far.
With the current price of gasoline and the potential for prices to continue to rise throughout spring and summer, RCMP say they anticipate these thefts to continue. Thieves are not just siphoning gas out of the tank, unfortunately. They are drilling a hole into the tank, which results in an expensive repair for the vehicle owner.
Ways to prevent gas theft
Police recommend a few ways to best prevent yourself from becoming a victim of gas theft.
- Park your vehicle in a well-lit, well-travelled areas
- Whenever possible, park in a garage or secure area
- Parking so your fuel door is visible from the main road
- Ensure home security cameras are operational
RCMP also suggest registering your home security camera with their CAPTURE registry. This system helps police identify suspects if a crime occurs, and registrants receive decals to make unwanted visitors aware of surveillance cameras in the area.
What to do if you become a victim of gas theft
If you discover that you have been a victim of gas theft, it is important not to drive your vehicle to prevent any further damage. Call the RCMP non-emergency line to report the issue right away. If you notice any furth spills, do your best to contain them until emergency responders arrive to assist with the clean-up.
Friendly Reminders
Report crime online!
The RCMP are encouraging all Albertans to report eligible crimes online (select property crimes under $5,000). Reporting less serious crimes online helps emergency dispatch and frontline members focus their time on high-priority calls. It provides a convenient way to share photos to the RCMP as well. These reports assist in crime analysis, aid in establishing trends and patterns, and ultimately leads investigators to the chronic offenders. It also assists in making decisions about how and where to deploy resources. Crimes reported online will be taken just as seriously as crime reported in any other way.
Help reduce crime, report online! #ReportSmart
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May 16, 2022