Community Corner

Thieves Drill Holes In Gas Tanks To Steal Gas In Galveston

An old 1970s tactic of stealing gas by drilling a hole in a gas tank has happened at three locations Galveston Island, officials said.

GALVESTON, TX — Officials in Galveston are looking for the person who has drilled holes in the gas tanks of several vehicles to steal gasoline. So far there have been least three cars on Galveston island that have been targeted according to one local auto repair shop.

The incidents were reported at three separate locations, with the first at the La Quinta Inn by 14th Street, followed by another at Inverness By the Sea on 76th and Seawall, and on a Rent-A-Center company vehicle on 61st Street, according to a KTRK report.

Officials believe the recent spike in gas prices may have resurrected the gas stealing tactic that was extremely common during the 1970s gas crisis.

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Officials warn that drilling the fuel tank on any vehicle can cause a flash fire or explosion if the drill causes a spark, igniting the fuel.

The cost of repairing a hole in a gas tank can be pretty expensive, depending on the type of vehicle.

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