by Ronna Sweeney, KUAM News Tuesday, May 20, 2008 Subscribe to Ronna's newsfeed   E-mail this article Printable version KUAM Toolbar Web Widgets Get RSS headlines

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With the price of diesel per gallon nearing the hourly minimum wage, drivers on Guam are already frustrated with what they're paying at the pump. But in addition to shelling out more cash for gas, motorists now need to be more alert as fuel thefts are on the rise.

For diesel fuel and $4.31 for regular gasoline, as you probably already know, those are the going rates for fuel these days. That's prompted Mangilao resident Katrina Dugger to change how she gets around the island. She told KUAM News, "I am thinking more about driving and how much and how often I drive. I try to combine a lot of errands into one trip. So I think more about that."

And while you, like other motorists, may be making fewer trips lately - that may not keep your tank any fuller. You see, according to Guam Police Department spokesman Officer Allan Guzman, fuel thefts are on the rise. He said, "Over the weekend there was a case where an individual was putting fuel in her vehicle and apparently the fuel couldn't go into the gas tank. She went and had it checked with the mechanic and they found a hose embedded into her tank."

According to Ryan Meddler of Meddler'z Automotive, some gas thieves are actually chopping the hose located underneath the vehicle, where gas flows into the tank. He said such a repair will run you about $120. Asked if his company has been seeing a lot more of this type of work recently, he replied, "With the rising fuel costs? Yes. I've encountered 9 or 10 vehicles that have come into the shop for it."

So how can you protect yourself? Said Officer Guzman, "If your gas tank is easily accessible through just having it opened from the outside; find a gas cap that has a locking mechanism in it."

Other helpful hints to deter gas bandits include parking in a garage if possible, or in well-lit areas. Also, you should be sure to call police if you see anything suspicious and always check your fuel gauge to make sure gas has not been siphoned.