Gas Theft On The Rise

Sky-rocketing prices at the pump are fueling fears of gas theft in Green Country. Gas-siphoning is on the rise across the country, but do you really need to worry about having your fuel stolen?

The News On 6's Chris Wright reports thieves may be thirsty for fuel, but experts say if you have bought a car recently, they may not be able to get to it.

People are willing to do about anything for free gas these days.

With gas approaching four dollars a gallon, drivers are looking to protect their investment. Many in Green Country are doing that with gas-cap locks.

"With the rising fuel costs, we've sold a lot more caps within the past month or two," said Colin Roberts of O'Reilly's Auto Parts.

The locks cost between $10 and $15 and O'Reilly's says they are easy to use.

"You pull the key out, and once the key out this will free spin, the bottom part, not allowing them to unscrew it," said Roberts.

The gas cap locks have been flying off the shelves at O'Reilly's, but actually if you have a newer model car, you might not even need one.

O'Reilly's says that most cars manufactured this decade are actually siphon-proof, but Roberts says for $15 bucks, a gas-cap lock may not be a bad investment. If nothing else, it might encourage fuel thieves to move on to another car.

"If they want your gas, they're going to get it somehow," said Roberts.

Experts say if thieves decide to skip siphoning, and simply puncture your gas tank, there's nothing you can do to protect against that.

On a positive note, the Tulsa Police Department says it has not seen a rash of gas theft, or drive-offs, recently.