Some people on the North Olympic Peninsula recently have found another way of dealing with the sharp increase in gas prices.
They are stealing it.
Within the last week, there have been reports of people driving off at the pump in Port Angeles and Sequim and reports of gas being siphoned out of tanks in Clallam and Jefferson counties.
Although gas drive-offs occur throughout the year, Clallam County Undersheriff Steve Snover said the connection with gas thefts is “intuitive” considering the per-gallon price is hovering near $3.
“Lack of money and a need will always cause people to commit crimes,” Snover said.
“I would be surprised if there wasn’t a direct relationship.”
He said, however, that he hasn’t noticed a “huge increase” in the number of drive-offs and siphoning cases.
Siphoning is risky business
Last Saturday saw two reports of cars being pillaged for the gas in their tanks — one on Calawah Way near Forks and another on Valley Center Place in Carlsborg.
Siphoning gas is not only dangerous because of the risk of swallowing or inhaling gasoline, Snover said, but also because it often requires going onto another person’s property.
“You’re better off parking the vehicle and taking the bus,” Snover said.
Tuesday and Wednesday saw a drive-off each from Port Angeles gas stations, and a Carlsborg gas station on Tuesday reported a customer passed a bad check for gasoline and then drove away.
$237 million lost annually
Gas stations lose about $237 million annually to gas thefts, said Jeff Lenard, a spokesman for the Alexandria, Va.-based National Association of Convenience Stores.
He said gas drive-offs have exploded alongside the dramatic spike in fuel costs.
“It’s been a rotten year at the pump for everyone,” Lenard said.
