Thursday, August 7, 2008

TIPS TO PREVENT FUEL THEFT

(Sault Ste. Marie, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has received a number of reports of fuel thefts from across the province. On a recent July weekend in Western Ontario, $80,000 worth of diesel fuel was reported stolen. The rising cost of fuel has many citizens and businesses wondering what they can do to protect themselves from becoming victims of this type of theft. To assist citizens with the prevention of fuel theft, the OPP is providing the following information:

Drivers

• Park your vehicle in well-lit areas with high foot traffic if possible.
• People who regularly leave their vehicles unattended in high-risk areas should consider purchasing a locking gas cap. Keep your gas cap key separate from your ignition key if you leave them with a parking lot attendant.
• If possible, park your car in your garage and keep the garage door closed and locked.
• Never leave your car open with the key in the ignition unattended, even in winter. Thieves who have come to steal your gas may steal your vehicle instead.

Businesses and Farms with Large Fuel Storage

• Make sure your pumps and the access to the storage tanks are secured with heavy duty locks.
• If the location is isolated and unsupervised for long periods of time, consider installing lights and security cameras.
• Advise police of any suspicious activity or persons detected in the area.

Gas Stations

• Consider installing security cameras that will record license plates of customers at all pumps. You will be able to give police the plate numbers and vehicle description of anyone who tries to “gas and dash.”

General Public

• The public should never confront a thief stealing gas. Instead, call 911 immediately as this is a crime in progress. You can assist police by writing down the license plate, colour and make of any involved vehicles. Write a description of any people involved.

The OPP remind you that crime prevention is everyone’s responsibility.