LAKEPORT — Locking fuel caps and extra caution are advised after a string of nighttime gasoline thefts between Sunday and Tuesday in Lakeport. Reports of tools and fuel stolen from vehicles at three homes and three businesses prompted an investigation on Monday, according to Lt. Brad Rasmussen of the Lakeport Police Department (LPD).
The alleged thieves took about $150 worth of gas from vehicles at six Lakeport businesses and homes. The LPD has made no arrests in the ongoing investigation, according to Rasmussen.
“We had developed some leads during the investigation, including some items of evidence that could lead to an arrest,” Rasmussen said.
Nine vehicles were targeted, not all of them for gasoline. Tools and equipment valued at $1,850 were taken from vehicles at three businesses along Parallel Drive in the area of Craig Avenue, Rasmussen said.
Only gasoline was taken from vehicles at three homes on Hartley Street between Sixteenth Street and Anastasia Drive. Rasmussen said the gas was stolen using a siphon hose and portable container.
“The largest amount I saw in one incident was about 10 gallons from one tank. They don”t appear to be emptying tanks ? they are getting five or 10 gallons, which is the container size you could handle to carry away,” Rasmussen said.
He recommended that motorists be aware of a vehicle”s fuel level, and report any unusual shortage to police. Rasmussen also advised buying a locking fuel cap from an auto parts dealer.
“We want people to call and make a report if they see a suspicious person in their neighborhood, or if there is a theft,” Rasmussen said.
He said officers suspect other gasoline thefts may have happened that are not yet reported.
“With the amount of vehicles that were hit, we suspect that there are possibly other vehicles they got fuel from that people may not realize are missing fuel, depending on how much was taken out of the vehicle and whether they were aware what gage level was at the time,” Rasmussen said.
Officer Destry Henderson is leading the investigation. To report a suspicious person or a theft, contact Henderson or any LPD officer at 263-5491.
Contact Tiffany Revelle at trevelle@record-bee.com.
