Sheriff's office: Drive-offs steady after gas increases

Prices affecting drive-offs?
By Steven Jones
The Selma Times-Journal
August 16, 2005
Gas drive-offs are a problem according to local law enforcement officials, but gas price increases haven't made a big difference, at least not in the county.
“We probably average five to 10 a month,” Dallas County Sheriff Department Captain Roy Freine said. “We've seen a little bit going up since the gas prices went up.”
Gas prices recently set a record, averaging about $2.55 per gallon nationwide.
Some Selma stations charge more.
Almost two-thirds of people surveyed for an Associated Press-American Online poll said they expect fuel costs to cause them financial hardship.
Within the city limits, gas drive offs appear to occur more frequently. Reports show that since Aug. 9 five stores were the victim of gas drive-offs.
Selma Police officials were unavailable for comment on Tuesday.
Freine said that while the situation isn't a big problem for the county, he urged gas station owners and workers to be vigilant.
“We like taking any opportunity to advise store owners to use their common sense and judgement,” Freine said.
Freine suggested that attendants require suspicious individuals to pay before pumping.
Also, Freine said it is always helpful to law enforcement if attendants pay more attention to their customers.
“Be more alert of who's pumping gas,” Freine said.
Freine said details about what the car looks like could be helpful in catching culprits.
Also, Freine warned potential gas-thieves about the consequences of their actions.
Those found guilty of stealing gas could have their drivers licenses revoked, Freine said.
“Who wants to lose their licenses over a little bit of gas?” he asked. “No one.”