RCMP Say Rural Fuel Thefts Take A Major Jump
Although they cannot say for certain the rapid rise of fuel thefts may be tied to the rapid rise in fuel prices.
According to the Saskatchewan RCMP fuel thefts rose 76 percent in January to April 2022 compared to the same period a year ago. The thefts are in areas - mostly rural - where the RCMP has policing responsibilities.
No statistics have been released about fuel thefts in Moose Jaw by the Moose Jaw Police Service.
In a review of theft files by Saskatchewan RCMP crime analysts the Mounties reported there was 178 reports of fuel theft during the January to April period.
“Obviously there has been a significant increase in the price of fuel recently. We can’t speculate on motives in these thefts but it is important that individuals and businesses be aware they may be occurring more frequently,” Monica Deters, the RCMP’s acting officer in charge of Crime Reduction and Crime Prevention said in a statement.
The analysis also showed the majority of fuel thefts - 137 reports - occurred when fuel was stolen from gas stations.
The RCMP said to help prevent such thefts gas stations should consider having customers pre-pay for fuel so people do not simply drive off without paying. The practice of not paying for fuel and driving off is known as gas and dash.
Business owners could also consider better lighting and video surveillance to help prevent fuel thefts and if a theft does occur make it easier to identify and apprehend and arrest suspected fuel thieves.
During the same time period the RCMP reported ten fuel thefts from farm fuel tanks, 12 reported thefts from bulk fuel tanks, ten thefts of jerry cans and nine reports of drilling or siphoning gas.
To prevent thefts the RCMP advises people to:
lock fuel tanks and ensure the area is well lit
set up video or photo surveillance around fuel tanks
if possible park vehicles in locked outbuildings or if outside in well lit and frequently travelled locations
park with the fuel door towards a well travelled road
don’t park in one area for an extended period of time
if the vehicle is equipped with an alarm activate it when the vehicle is unattended
Report suspicious activity as it may help catch thieves