Why Car thieves are now 'drilling' for gas.

Concurrent with the recent surge in fuel prices, gasoline thefts are reportedly on the rise. GETTY

The number of auto-related crimes has risen significantly since the pandemic. Last year, a record 936 315 were reported. Catalytic converter thefts have increased by over 1,200 percent in the past three years. Carjackings have also seen a significant increase, with some cities experiencing a fivefold increase.

It should not be surprising that gasoline thefts are one of the most horrific examples of car crime, and have been reported by the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

Today's thieves do more damage than the 1970s fuel shortages which plagued motorists. While determined people were known to steal a gallon from a parked vehicle to keep their cars running, they are not as successful today.

Today's cars have a rollover valve, which helps to prevent gasoline from leaking onto the pavement if the vehicle is in an accident. It turns out that this technology makes it impossible to siphon fuel from the tank.

According to the NICB, petty crooks have begun drilling into gas tanks of parked cars in order to extract liquid gold. This not only leaves owners without several gallons but also triggers high repair costs to replace the tank. RepairPal.com estimates that the average cost to replace a tank is between $1,300 and $1,400. This does not include taxes, fees, or any related repairs.

The AAA states that larger vehicles, such as full-size SUVs or pickup trucks, are more frequently targeted due to their higher fuel capacities. In the case of Ford F-150 pickups, this is 36 gallons. It would cost $180 to fill up a tank this large with regular-grade gasoline at $5,00 per gallon.

Fuel theft isn't a crime reserved for petty thieves. Bandits with more sophisticated skills are now going directly to the source of higher-volume fuel thefts. The NICB has reported several instances in which thieves are stealing petroleum by hacking into gasoline pumps using various methods, including stealing it from storage tanks and selling it to motorists in the area at a fraction of retail price.

David Glawe, President, and CEO of the National Insurance Crime Bureau say that auto crime has been the most prominent form of crime in the country. "Crime can be a business and auto-related crime is very profitable in many of our communities."

The NICB recommends that consumers take common-sense precautions to prevent their vehicles from becoming targets. If possible, it is best to park in a garage or in well-lit, high-visibility areas with security cameras. Before driving off with an empty or potentially dangerously damaged gas tank, motorists should check for any puddles under their vehicles.