Auto repair shops are reporting a spike in gas tank replacements due to punctured or drilled tanks. In the old days all you needed to discourage a thief from stealing your gas was a locking gas cap. Metal gas tanks can be drilled, but newer cars and trucks that have plastic or composite fuel tanks are an easier mark. SUV’s and pick up trucks are high enough off the pavement for any low life to crawl under with a cordless drill and a gas can. There has recently been a spike in fuel tank replacements at auto repair shops across the nation for this very reason. Sam at a local Tampa car dealership stated “Thieves are trading in their siphoning hoses for cordless drills”. After talking to one unlucky 2002 Chevy Avalanche owner that had their gas tank drilled and gas stolen, I learned that there is a national back-order on the plastic fuel tank that fits their truck. The same part number fits many other GM trucks and SUV’s as well. Insurance companies could be feeling the crunch for these repairs, but if the deductible is around $500 it may not be worth making a claim. You may be asking ”how to prevent fuel tanks from being drilled and gas stolen”.
There are several common sense things anyone can do to reduce the chance of having their fuel tank drilled and their liquid gold pirated. Park in well lit areas, clean out the garage and park inside when possible, park near store entrances where more people are present. And finally buy a bumper sticker that says ”Gas Tank Near Empty” and hope that any would be gas thieves in your vicinity can read. Kidding aside, if you have had your gas stolen by a drill and drain vandal or can offer preventive measures we would love to hear your comments.
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