Springfield Stations Can Call 911 To Report Drive-Offs

Rising gas prices can often lead to more fuel theft.

March 03, 2011

SPRINGFIELD, MO - Rising gas prices can often lead to more fuel theft. But at least one city is authorizing police to do more than just file paperwork as they initiate the tedious search for gas thieves. Springfield is now broadcasting descriptions of gas thieves to squad cars, facilitating the process of finding and prosecuting violators, who have become an increasing headache for fuel marketers, KSPR.com reports.

According to KSPR.com, drive-offs cost the industry $89 million a year, with customers thumbing their noses at their indiscretions.

"Most of our people that drive in just wave at us," said Jim Pierce, whose family has operated a Conoco station for more than 25 years. "It??s almost to the fact if you lose one tank of gasoline in one day you've lost everything you've made."

Previous policy required station clerks to fill out a written report subsequent to a drive-off. However, now clerks can immediately report the theft to 911.

"An officer isn't going to be sent to this type of a call they'll just put it out over the radio," Corporal Matt Brown said. "If an officer is able to, they will look for the vehicle and make a car stop. We have had success."

While some station owners have implemented a prepay policy, others see it as counter to the convenience attribute that they are trying to promote.

Kum and Go does not require prepay, though its representatives and Springfield police meet quarterly to track gas drive-offs.

NACS was mentioned in the piece, too, noting that requiring prepay could cost stores money as people would spend less inside the store. Additionally, NACS said that as most prepay customers use credit or debit cards to pay, the move would also cost stores money in swipe fees.

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