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With fuel prices at record levels and
rising, consumers are urged to take precautions to prevent thefts
of fuel from their vehicles.
While there is no statewide database
detailing the extent of the problem, anecdotal evidence is mounting
that thieves are siphoning gasoline, diesel and other motor fuels
from cars and trucks sitting in driveways and parking lots because
of the rising value of the fuel. Gasoline stations are also
increasingly being targeted by fuel thefts, according to the
state's Petroleum Inspection Bureau and Office of Agricultural Law
Enforcement.
"While Florida and the nation are working
on the development of alternative fuels and adopting conservation
measures to ultimately bring down the price of gasoline, we are
nonetheless all forced at the moment to pay record prices for
fuel," Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner
Charles H. Bronson said. "And with filling a gas tank commonly
reaching $50 and even $75 each fueling, the last thing we need is
for thieves to siphon the fuel
out of our gas tanks."
Toward that end, Bronson is offering the
following tips to prevent a motorist from being the victim of fuel
thefts:
-- Consider the purchase a locking gas
cap.
-- When possible, park your car in a
locked garage.
-- Park in well-lit areas when
possible.
-- If a vehicle has an alarm, set it
before parking.
-- Check the fuel gauge before parking;
report any fuel theft immediately.
-- When pumping fuel at a gas station,
never leave an activated pump unattended.
-- If purchasing a new vehicle, inquire
about a locking fuel door.
Farms and agricultural operations in
general, both nationally and in Florida, appear to be victims of
increasing gasoline and diesel thefts also, and Bronson recommends
that such properties be fenced or gated, and as well lit when
possible. Nurseries, packinghouses and agricultural storage areas
should consider installing security cameras with a tape backup.
Thefts at farming operations should be reported to local law
enforcement or the Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement at
1-800-342-5869.
In addition to protecting a vehicle's
fuel from being stolen, Bronson also is encouraging consumers to
adopt fuel conservation measures as a means of combating
skyrocketing fuel prices.
Such measures include car pooling, using
public transportation when possible, combining errands to minimize
the number of trips taken in your vehicle, maintaining a reasonable
speed, using the most economical grade of gasoline recommended for
your vehicle and keeping tires properly inflated.
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