Old problem, higher stakes

By Published by The Editorial Board

Published: June 24, 2008

The phrase “gas drive-off” is just another way to say someone took something they didn’t pay for.

In a gas drive-off, thieves steal gasoline by filling their tank and then leaving the station or convenience store without paying.

With the price of a gallon of regular flirting with $4, it’s reasonable to assume people pull this type of crime because gas is more expensive today. But drive-offs have plagued gasoline retailers for a long time. They have been a nuisance to stations both large and small. Gas drive-offs have become yet another thing store clerks have to watch for and station owners have to deal with.

The only thing that has changed is the cost to the station owners — both in new security measures and lost profits.

“When all is said and done, we make less on a gallon of gas than we pay in taxes,” said Mike Welsh, senior vice president of operations for Fas Mart gas stations.

Pittsylvania County Sheriff Mike Taylor believes gas thieves have been hitting county stores hard recently.

“We’ve had an increase of drive-offs at convenience markets,” Taylor said.

In addition to video surveillance, more gas pumps require customers to pre-pay for their gas or use a credit or debit card. Cash customers who also want to buy something in the store are inconvenienced the most.

Based on the amount typically stolen, gas drive-offs are a misdemeanor in Virginia, where only thefts of more than $200 are felonies. At today’s prices, a person would have to steal 50 gallons of fuel to be charged with a felony.

It’s tempting to say this is a problem that’s tied to the high price of gasoline today, but gas drive-offs occurred when gas was much cheaper.

No matter the price of gas, someone will always try to fill their tank without paying for it.