Gas Thieves!!! (auto, alarm, fuel, best)

[trusam]

Yesterday I filled gas in my husband's car and parked in the common parking area in our apartment in wakefield plantation. We discussed abt high gas prices and possible ways to save on gas by reducing unnecessary trips. Today morning he took his car for work. He called me 10 minutes after he left and asked why the gas tank is not full. I told him to check again but he told me the indicator shows less than quarter of the tank.. And he told me that somebody might have siphoned out the gas at night. I am shocked because the area where we live is comparatively better than other areas in Raleigh as far as crime rate is concerned.. Not sure how to prevent this because this car's gas tank door can be open from outside and we do not have a garage to park the car..

Any suggestions??

[RDSLOTS]

Wow, this was fairly common back in the 70s with the gas shortage then. With the high price of gas, and continuing escalating prices, I imagine this will get worse, long before it ever gets better.

I'm sorry this happened to you, and I assume because the tank was siphoned, you do not have a locking cap. It would be worth the investment to go to an auto supply store, and see if there is a locking cap you could use on your particular vehicle.

I'd also report the theft, and let the apartment complex management know what happened. A "head's up" is certainly in order.

[autumngal]

Moved from the NC forum.
Can anyone post up some help for keeping others from syphoning gas?

[underPSI]

A locking gas cap can be had from any auto parts store for about $8.

[Roaddog]

Yep a locking gas cap will help but if they really want it they will get it, as far as where you live won't matter, if they want gas they will go to areas where people are more likely to afford gas. Get a alarm for your vehicle tat will go off if they toch it, i don't like alarm systems but they can help keep the gas thieves at bay.

[trlhiker]

Locking gas cap is best and cheapest.

[Ultrarunner]

Attempting to siphon gas can also damage some fuel system components.

I know of several vehicles where the fuel tank had to be removed to replace gas sending sending units or replace the strainer found at the end of some gas fill pipes.

It happened to me with my Chevrolet Truck. The gauge read empty... and the tank was full. When I dropped the tank I found the nylon strainer had a hole punched in the mesh. The dealer mechanic said that it happens from the hose when fuel is syphoned... it also broke my sending unit.

[burdell]

Gas thieves may not be the only theft problem. Just read an article in today's paper saying that with platinum above the $2000/oz level catalytic converter thefts are on the rise, battery powered saws make removal a fairly quick process.

[Deez Nuttz]

Yes catalytic converter theft is very common due to the value of platinum, the main ingredient in catalytic converters. Sad thing is they are expensive to replace, and you have to have it to be legal on the roads if your car was equipped with it. Otherwise I'd weld in a straight pipe and enjoy the improved power increase.

[scottv]

I remember when I was a kid (mid/late 70s) and someone tried to steal gas from my grandfather's truck...he caught them and ran them off with a shotgun...yeah, get a locking gas cap. Luckily both my cars have locking gas covers that have to be opened from the inside of the car.