Gas Stolen From Salvation Army Buses In Bartlesville

The Salvation Army in Bartlesville says thieves have been siphoning gas out of their buses.

Those buses are used to help provide care for children and senior citizens.

Bartlesville police say they have increased patrols in the area and are trying to figure out who is stealing from an organization that tries to better their community.

Bryan Brinlee, director of the Red Shield Program in Bartlesville, says bus drivers began noticing the trend several months ago.

“We’d get into buses to go pick up children from schools for our after school programs and we had noticed gas missing in our buses,” said Brinlee.  “Our after school program keeps kids here so parents can continue to finish out their work day.”

Brinlee says that, at one point, people stole gas from some of the buses, while they were parked on the other side of the building.  When the buses were moved behind a fence, he says, people just jumped over it to steal even more gas.

“It’s really a violation.  I mean, not just a legal violation, but it’s like they’re violating everything we stand for – benevolence and charity,” stated Bartlesville Police Chief Tom Holland.

Holland says police are keeping a watchful eye on the property and are continuing to investigate.

“We want to stop this and let these people get a little dose of justice,” said Holland.

“If you need a little help, that’s why we’re here.  When you take from these buses, you take from the very people that are trying to help you,” declared Brinlee.

If you have any information that can help police, call Crime Stoppers at 918-336-CLUE.