One gas station owner said that she has seen an increase in the number of drive-offs since prices went up. Another owner said that the problem has always been bad. Gas stations that manage to get a license plate number from a fleeing car can get the name and address of the car's owner from the police department.
Owners can then have a misdemeanor warrant filed against the owner.
However, some gas station owners do not believe that the time involved is worth the stolen gas. They want to see tougher laws enacted to fight the crime. KETV NewsWatch 7's Cindy Andrew talked to one owner Wednesday who said that she will continue to file charges against gas thieves, if only to make a point that the crime will not be tolerated. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.