Gas Drive-Offs Becoming A Problem
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UNION CITY, Tenn. – Gas prices are high and police said so is the number of people refusing to pay for it. AAA estimated gas at $3.65 per gallonon average across the state, which is apparently too high for some in West Tennessee, yet they are still filling up their tanks. It is no secret that gas is expensive right now, and drive-offs at gas stations are certainly not a new crime, but as gas continues to rise it is a growing problem that police want stopped. “Well, every time they steal it, it just makes it harder on the rest of us. It makes prices go up even higher and at times like this we definitely don’t need that happening,” said John Gargus. According to Union City Police, reports of drive-offs at gas stations have been higher than ever, with one or two every other day for the past few weeks. Officials urged the gas stations to require customers to pre-pay since the stations that have been targeted lack that requirement, but owners said making their customers pre-pay, especially their loyal customers is an inconvenience to them and they would rather take their chances. Some customers think people are getting desperate and may not realize how serious a crime stealing gas can be. “I don’t like the prices more than anybody else but if you have to have gas you have to pay the price,” said Vickie Cooley. Authorities said if you steal gas and get caught you will lose your license for up to a year and be charged with theft.
