Locking your gas cap could become as important as locking your car doors.
Gasoline theft is increasing in Alachua County due to soaring gas prices, said Art Forgey, public information officer for the Alachua County Sheriff's Office.
Approximately two to three incidents are reported each week, Forgey said. A year ago, none were reported.
He said gas theft has been reported throughout Alachua County, and no specific area has been more affected than others.
Sheriff's office reports show that drilling holes into gas tanks and draining the fuel into cans has been common because it's easier and less conspicuous than siphoning, which involves putting a short hose into the gas cap and sucking fuel out.
Trucks and SUVs are more susceptible to drilling and draining because their height provides better access to the gas tank, Forgey said.
In addition to being criminal, drilling into a tank causes the gas to leak onto the ground, which creates environmental and fire hazards, he said.
Areas prone to gas theft are large parking lots, apartment complexes and places where companies keep their fleet vehicles because the traffic makes it easy to blend in, he said.
Forgey said people who want to prevent their gas from being stolen should park in a garage, use a locking gas cap and park in well-lit areas with a lot of traffic.
He said drivers should also consider keeping their cars only partially filled in case their gas is stolen.
Maria Burnes, a speech pathology junior and SUV owner, said she has been wary of gas theft since she heard about it on the local news.
"I'd never heard of it before, but I guess I can see why people are doing it now," she said. "I can barely afford to fill up my gas tank."
University Police Department spokesman Lt. Robert Wagner said there have been no reported gasoline thefts on UF's campus.
Wagner said it is possible thefts are going unreported or happening without people's knowledge.
Forgey said the sheriff's office is trying to teach people about the threat.
"We have an obligation to try and educate people," he said.
Stealing gas is a misdemeanor offense, punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.
Forgey said gas theft used to be something teenagers did for fun, but now police are seeing people of all ages and economic classes stealing gas.
"The high price of gas and the downturn in the economy has affected everyone," he said.
