Sunday, November 17

On the rise, cases of gasoline theft from vehicles in Southern California due to the increase in fuel prices

Aumentan los casos de robo de gasolina a vehículos de residentes del sur de California.
Cases of theft of gasoline from vehicles of residents of Southern California are on the rise.

Photo: FREDERIC J. BROWN / AFP / Getty Images

Ricardo Roura

When fuel prices continue to rise and reach record levels, theft of gasoline from vehicles of residents in Southern California.

Some people have denounced that thieves pierce the fuel tanks of automobiles to steal the gasoline, for which specialists issued a warning to motorists to maintain your vehicles as safe as possible.

According to AAA, the average price for a gallon of gas is $5.34. With prices so high, reports of stolen gasoline have also gone up. https://t.co/SGBRGSSlMM

—FOX 11 Los Angeles (@FOXLA) March 8, 2022

“This is a sign of the times that we know. They are thieves looking for ways to make money by stealing what is becoming an increasingly expensive and valuable commodity: gasoline“, said the spokesman for the Auto Club Southern California, Doug Shupe.

Residents have expressed their surprise at the high cost that is reaching fuel. When a few months ago you could fill the tank with $60 dollars, then $80 dollars were needed; two weeks ago it was already at $90 dollars and these days it rose to more than $100 Dollars.

There are people who manage to deter possible gasoline thieves by installing security cameras in their garages, a resource that is not possible for everyone.

Residents who have been victims of fuel theft from their vehicles are not only left with the loss due to the cost of gasoline, but also with repairs of the tank of their vehicles, which can exceed $1,000 dollars.

“Often, vehicle owners who are victims of this type of gas theft have to replace the entire tank, so it’s an expensive repair and replacement that has to be done,” said Shupe.

The America Association ana del Automóvil (AAA) recommended some measures to try to prevent the theft of gasoline from cars, such as leave the vehicle parked inside the garage of their homes, park in well-lit areas with a lot of traffic when in public places, and if possible do so in more secure such as fenced lots or parking lots; as well as looking for parking spaces near the exit or the elevators because they have greater visibility and pedestrian traffic.

In a situation where you consider that the gas tank may have been tampered with, AAA said you can look for telltale signs like the smell of fuel, a puddle under the vehicle, or a check light. engine on.

In case of gasoline theft, It is advisable to file a police report and contact your insurance agent to find out if the repairs may be covered .

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