Thieves Are Drilling Tanks And Stealing Fuel Because of High Gas Prices
While current headlines are focused on the streets of the Twin Cities, residents in Iowa and Illinois should take note. A destructive new trend of fuel theft is sweeping through Minnesota, and as gas prices climb toward the $4.20 mark, it may only be a matter of time before these high-cost heists drift south toward the Mississippi River.
Thieves Are Drilling Tanks And Stealing Gas
Thieves aren't just siphoning fuel anymore; they are bringing power tools. In the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, mechanics report that lifted trucks are the primary targets. Their height makes it incredibly easy for a thief to slide underneath and drill directly into the plastic fuel tank.
The math behind the crime is devastating for the victim. “You stole five gallons of gas times five, that’s $25, but in reality, that cost me $2,500,” said Jamie Phelps, a St. Paul resident who discovered a hole in his truck’s tank this past Monday.
It Costs A Lot To Fix
For the criminals, it’s a quick few gallons of gas. For the driver, it’s a mechanical nightmare. Modern fuel tanks are often integrated systems that require total replacement once punctured.
Collin Finley, a journeyman technician at Midway Ford Roseville, has already seen nearly a dozen such cases this year. Even with competitive pricing, the damage is severe. “On the smaller stuff, it’s upwards of $1,500 a tank, and labor alone it’s not cheap either,” Finley noted.
The Hidden Surge of Underreported Crime
While Minneapolis police have recorded at least 12 cases this year and St. Paul has seen seven since April 1, officials believe the real numbers are much higher. Many victims, like Phelps, feel discouraged from even calling the authorities. “I have no information to give them that would enable them to investigate anything,” Phelps said, explaining why he chose not to file a report.
The trend is forcing long-time residents to rethink their home security. “The neighbors, this neighbor here and these neighbors here, we’re thinking about getting cameras now, and that’s an added cost just to live in the house you’ve lived in for over 20 years,” Phelps added.
As these incidents become more frequent in the North, Iowa and Illinois drivers, especially those with trucks or SUVs, should consider parking in well-lit areas or garages. According to Finley, there isn't much a driver can do beyond following manufacturer guidelines and avoiding high-crime areas, but staying vigilant is the first line of defense against a $2,500 repair bill.