Thieves drilling into vehicle gas tanks to steal fuel in Colorado Springs
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- Cutting fuel lines used to be a fairly common method for thieves to steal gasoline from vehicles, but lately there seem to be more instances of people actually drilling into gas tanks to steal fuel.
We've learned that in the past month or so, at least one individual and two businesses -- all in the area of South 8th Street -- have had their fuel stolen by thieves who drilled holes in their vehicles' tanks.
"It almost doesn't make sense because they spill so much of it in the process," said a victim who asked to remain anonymous. "They got my pickup truck a few weeks ago. I had to buy a new fuel tank because my mechanic said I couldn't patch the hole that was drilled. It's not always easy to find a fuel tank for your vehicle, and it's expensive."
Brian Stafford, an assistant manager at a NAPA Auto Parts Store, said thieves have targeted the same delivery truck several times, most recently a month ago.
"Even when we parked it under bright lights, it still got drilled," he said. "This kind of thing has happened off and on for the last five years but it seems to be happening more often lately. I don't think the thieves are doing it to make money. I think they do it to get fuel for heat to stay warm."
With so many vehicles now having locks on their fuel tank inlets, siphoning gasoline appears to be declining.
"And most tanks are plastic now instead of metal, so there's no fire hazard," the anonymous victim said. "My tank had two holes in it -- one to equalize the air pressure inside so that the fuel could pour out smoothly. I don't know what (thieves) are storing it in. Jugs? Tanks? Pans? I have no idea."
KRDO NewsChannel 13 has contacted police about the matter, and to learn more specifics. They didn't respond Tuesday.
The Buffalo Gals/Picnic Basket/Cravings catering business has had gasoline drilled out of truck tanks three times in the past year, the owner said. Her response was to install a barbed-wire fence around the property.
"We've also had people break in, steal keys, steal some vehicles and other equipment," she said. "It's a lot harder for anyone to do that now."
Several of the damaged vehicles were repaired at Marickio's Auto Repair.
"Not everyone can afford to put up a fence," said mechanic Mario Vasquez. "The least you can do is park your vehicle in a well-lighted area where suspicious activity can be easier seen."
"I'm glad you're bringing this to light," Stafford said. "Maybe if we all work together as a community, we can thwart this activity. What's that Tom Petty song, 'Don't Come Around Here No More?' That's the message we need to send to those thieves."
