Kingston Police Report Increase in “Gas & Dash” Thefts

Published on: 2011/07/14 - in Featured News

Kingston Police are reporting an increasing amount of gas thefts, both through siphoning gas from parked vehicles and “gas and dash” thefts at gas stations.

“The incidents of thefts reflect the price of gas as it goes up” said Cst. Joanne Geikie, of Kingston Police Force.

The constable reports that thieves will fill their tanks with expensive gas and drive away, sometimes leaving the gas nozzle on the ground.

According to their release, KPD have been informed by gas station attendants that some thieves are using phony or stolen licence plates during these crimes in an attempt to avoid being identified.

So far this summer, Kingston Police have been informed of 9 such thefts in May, 13 in June, and 12 incidents already this month.

In the event a crime of this nature is witnessed, police recommend getting the plate number of the vehicle and a description of the driver, then call police immediately.

Individuals caught stealing gas can be charged with theft under $5,000 and face a fine and probation. Police also suggest motorists consider purchasing locking gas caps for their cars.

In related news, recent data gathered by Kingston Police indicates a rise in theft from vehicles in the west end in the city, where vehicle doors have been left unlocked and thieves helped themselves to items left inside.

Earlier this week, police attended the Hickorywood Crescent and Cedarwood Drive area for an early morning report of three males checking parked vehicles.

Responding officers charged the three youths with trespassing at night and they were released with a promise to appear in court.

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Photo source: Flickr