By BECKY MARTINEZ
bmartinez@crescent-news.com
Got gas? Now you need to protect it as gasoline siphoning is on the rise locally and across the country.
With the high price of fuel and gas being the necessity it is, thefts of gasoline through siphoning is becoming more common -- and the best form of protection is a locking gas cap, experts say.
Newspapers and television stations across the nation have reported increases of gasoline thefts. But the crime is also hitting residents in northwest Ohio.
On Thursday, the Defiance Police Department received complaints from employees of Diehl Inc. and Arps Dairy Inc., both on North Clinton Street.
Seven vehicles had their gas caps removed with several gallons of gas stolen from each.
The thefts remain under investigation.
Gas siphoning kits with advertising such as "5 gallons in less than 90 seconds" can be purchased. That makes for a quick crime.
The Defiance County Sheriff's Office has received reports of gas siphoning as has the Williams County Sheriff's Office.
The Napoleon Police Department said they've had semis report thefts of diesel fuel while parked at a truck stop. And the Henry County Sheriff's Office said they've had reports of gas stolen from tanks on agricultural properties.
"We've had one report of gas being siphoned and that was about two days ago," Antwerp Police Chief George Clemens said on Friday. "That victim lost about a half a tank of gas and was going out that day to buy a locking gas cap."
In a Crescent News article just short of a month ago, Defiance Police Chief Tim Tobias stated that people may want to consider buying a locking gas cap. "It may come to that, especially for people who park outside."
That's exactly what people are doing now: Sales of locking gas caps are increasing.
"I'd say we're selling anywhere from 50-75 percent more gas caps over last year's sales," said Jeremy Chapman, assistant manager of Advance Auto Parts.
Brock Waugh, manager of the Wauseon Autozone, which also has stores in Defiance, Bryan and Napoleon, reported an increase in sales as well. "I've noticed we're selling a lot more than in the past. I'd say about two out of 10 customers are picking them up compared to maybe one out of 20 before (the gas price increases).
"Some of the people who have bought the locking gas caps have already had gas siphoned from their tanks and are trying to prevent a second theft" said Waugh.
"Oh yes, we've had an increase in sales, with the price of gas, sure," said Troy Fogle, manager of NAPA Auto Parts in Hicksville. Fogle didn't have sales numbers available from last year but said the increase in sales is "definitely noticeable."
Lt. Jeff Mack of the Defiance Police Department believes as gas prices continue at these high prices, thefts of gas are going to increase.
He reiterated what Tobias said earlier, "The best way to protect yourself is to purchase locking gas caps."
Locking gas caps are available at most auto parts stores and elsewhere. Chapman, Waugh and Fogle all reported they are available for all makes and models of vehicles, that each comes with several keys and the price ranges from $12.99-$20.