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WANAQUE - Thieves target gas tanks
WANAQUE - Patrol officers are on the lookout for potential gas thieves as rising fuel prices seem to have triggered tampering with five cars this past weekend on Carter Road in Haskell.
“Our whole Patrol Division has been advised and will keep an eye out,” said Detective Capt. Thomas Norton.
Norton did not know of any similar incidents in the Wanaque area but heard media reports of gas thefts that has occurred beyond the Suburban Trends area.
Over the Independence Day holiday weekend, July 4 and 5, police received two calls for assistance at homes on Carter Road, a blend of mixed houses and condo units in Haskell. According to a police press release, “The incidents involved residents going out to their cars, which were parked overnight, and finding the doors to the cars’ fuel filler open. Neither of the residents found the fuel cap open on their cars and it was unknown if any fuel had been removed from the cars or anything added to the tanks.”
As police investigated further in the area of Carter Road, Patrolmen Brian Bellifemine and Matthew Ralicki came to suspect that three other cars had been tampered with, as the fuel doors were found open.
Capt. Norton said that residents do not believe that any fuel was siphoned out but a few gallons missing from each car might escape notice. At this point, it is all just speculation, he added.
During the gas crunch, Wanaque Police would like to make all residents aware of these suspicious incidents and of the need to call police at 973-835-5600 if they see anything wrong.
Late last month, The Record newspaper reported “fill up and fly” gas thefts in Carlstadt, where a man sped from a Route 17 gas station with $170 in diesel fuel, and also in Paramus where dozens of similar thefts had been reported to police.
Additional gas thefts, including draining tractor-trailers and siphoning diesel from gas station underground tanks, also hit the news nationwide. Meanwhile, regular gas prices reached a national average of $4.108 Tuesday, compared to 4.005 one month ago and 2.965 one year ago, according to the American Automobile Association Web site.
“Desperate times call for desperate measures but we need to protect ourselves,” said Michele Mount, director of public affairs for AAA New Jersey Automobile Club in Florham Park. Those seeking protection from gas theft can install a lock on their tank if the car is not already equipped.
“They can also be careful where they park,” Mount said. A garage is best, but a well-lit driveway can also hinder thieves.
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