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(AP) High prices at the pump
aren't stopping folks without cash from filling their tanks. Police
say gasoline thefts are on the rise, and consumer credit counselors
say inflated gas prices are leading to higher balances on credit
cards.
Credit counselors say people tight budgets who
have a long drive to work are most likely to run up their credit
cards with gas purchases. The problem is made worse by vehicles
that aren't fuel efficient.
As for drive-offs, state law allows a suspect to be picked up
without a warrant within four hours of the crime.
But officials say it is often tough to prosecute
offenders. Clerks tend to not know they've been had until the
thief is out of sight. But police say that anyone getting a license
number, vehicle description or other evidence can help secure
a conviction.
Officials say profit margins are so thin on gasoline
sales that a drive-off or two can wipe out a station's profits
for the day.
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