LETTER: Guard against fuel theft at lakes

To The Telegram:

With the fuel prices high and still on the rise, I would like to caution everyone that the potential for theft of gas is ever present. In the spring of 2007, we noticed an increased activity of gas theft specifically along the lakeshores. The thieves would walk the shoreline and/or through your properties and take your gas tanks from your boats and pontoons and pour the gas in other containers or vehicles and then throw the gas tanks in the ditch elsewhere. We were successful in catching several of the criminals last year, however, many remain still unresolved.

It is my suggestion that homeowners and vacationers firmly secure their gas tanks or preferably lock them in an outbuilding somewhere on your property to prevent the theft of your gas. Potentially, the thieves could use a boat on the lake as well and quietly float along the lake to your docks and boats and remove your gas tanks.

In addition, anyone who has multigallon gas containers on their property, such as the type farmers use to service their tractors and farm vehicles, should lock them securely.

The price of gas is expected to reach $4 a gallon soon and, of course, we all know that diesel fuel has surpassed that amount. Anything you can do to protect yourself against the theft of fuel will only serve to protect your wallet. Theft in the manners that I have described are difficult to solve, and the sheer volume alone could easily overwhelm investigations into these types of thefts.

I ask everyone to watch out for each other. Take note of any suspicious activity in your neighborhood. No one knows the area around your home better than you. If you see something out of place or something just does not seem right, call your local city or village police. Use your good common sense on whether to approach or “check out the suspicious activity.” Do not place yourself in a potentially dangerous situation. Remember: Your eyes and ears are the biggest deterrent to criminal activity, and the information you provide is directly related to the arrest and prosecution of criminals.

I hope everybody has a great summer and enjoys the area, but please be aware that there is always somebody out there ready and eager to take advantage of the opportunity to take what is not theirs.

— Sheriff Terry Dryden,

Washburn County

Tags: fuel, gas, theft, lakes, terry, dryden, sheriff