Local News
Thieves target rural gas
By LETHBRIDGE HERALD
May 6, 2008, 04:48

With gasoline becoming more valuable than the black gold it’s made from, RCMP are warning farmers and other rural residents to lock their gas tanks and take extra precautions to keep their fuel safe from siphoners.
Const. Larry Iutzi, with the Milk River detachment, says recently two farmers each had 400 gallons of gas stolen from their operations and thieves targeted an agricultural firm taking gas one night and a pump the next.
Iutzi has also heard of other cases, including a bulk dealer being hit in Bow Island, and a $5,000 gas theft in Picture Butte.
“I think we’re going to see these kinds of thefts escalating with the price of gas going up,” he said. “It’s a big concern.”
Police advise residents to keep their gas caps and tanks locked in an effort to deter thieves, park farm vehicles closer to home or in less remote areas where criminals are likely to be spotted, keep them locked, don’t leave keys inside or hidden nearby and watch out for one another.
“It’s going to take a lot of awareness,” said Iutzi, adding anyone who spots suspicious activity should write down licence plate numbers, a description of the culprits and report the situation to police.
Anyone with information about the recent gas thefts, or any others, can contact their local RCMP detachment or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

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