Video: High gas prices draw out thieves

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LACEY, Wash. – As the price of gas continues to climb, police say they're seeing more cases of gas theft at cars and filling stations

At a Lacey, Wash. Safeway, considered a discount station, the price was around $3.50 on Thursday. Cops are afraid if it reaches $4 more crooks will take the risk of getting caught.

Surveillance video obtained by KING 5 shows a customer at Brad's Quick Stop in Shelton who took off without paying gas. The station's owner tried to chase him down, but he got away.

"The drive-offs are becoming more common," said Karina Lisk, who has worked there for 10 years.

She's never seen so many people drive off without paying for gas. They've had two just this week.

"We have to work hard to make that gas profit, so when they do it with a $60 sale, the boss is pretty depressed about it," she said.

Maitri Edwards is one of three car owners in Shelton whose gas was siphoned out of their car this month. At $3.30+ a gallon, that hurt the family budget.

"Especially because I'm a stay-at-home mom and one income is already hard on us," Edwards said.

Police say thieves go to great lengths to steal gas.

"Whenever we have an increase in gasoline prices we have an increase in gasoline thefts," said Officer Mike Fiola, of the Shelton Police Department. "We had a gentleman try to siphon gas out of a car and he used his lighter to light his way. Unfortunately he caught on fire."

Police say if you have a garage - park your car in it. But if you have to park on the street, find a well-lit area, and if possible have your gas tank on the traffic side.

Maitri Edwards bought locking gas caps for her car. They cost around $20.