trucks fueling For certain industries, such as trucking, fuel theft has always been a concern; however, with the increase in fuel prices, commercial fuel (i.e., gasoline and diesel) theft has become a growing problem. Commercial fuel thieves tend to target locations that have substantial fuel holdings - isolated areas with many vehicles, preferably with large fuel tanks, that are parked overnight, such as trucking companies and bus companies,. Gas stations, fuel depots, vehicle fleet parking lots, car dealership lots (both new and used), and boat yards have also been hit. There have even been reports of thieves draining fuel from domestic heating oil tanks, and from the equipment on construction sites, farms, and nurseries. If the cost of fuel continues to increase, the problem can only get worse.

The following are some steps businesses can take to decrease the likelihood of fuel theft from vehicles and equipment:

Steps to Secure Your Premises

Fence the property.
Keep the property visible from the street (e.g., keep shrubbery trimmed).
Utilize security lighting.
Use high-security padlocks on all access gates onto the property.
Consider alarming the property.
Consider installing closed circuit television (CCTV).
If the problem continues, hire a security guard.

Steps to Secure Your Storage Tanks

Increase the visibility of storage tanks through location (i.e., make them visible from the street) and lighting.
Consider installing security fencing around tanks and generators and alarming the area.
Secure fuel nozzles and filler caps on storage tanks.
Install anti-siphoning devices on the filler tubes of storage tanks.
Shut off power to fuel pumps during non-operating hours.
Establish and maintain a fuel inventory system (this will also help to deter employee theft).

Steps to Secure Your Vehicles

Utilize lockable fuel caps and anti-siphoning devices on fuel tanks[1].
Whenever possible, park your vehicle in a visible, well-lit, high traffic area.
If your vehicle has an alarm, set it before parking.
Whenever you leave your vehicle, lock it.
Don't leave your vehicle running and unattended, even for a moment.
Park vehicles and equipment to prevent easy access to the fuel tank or cap.
If gas-line cuts continue to be a problem, consider installing steel gas lines that are more difficult to cut.
Before embarking on a trip, rather than filling the tank the night before (e.g., so that you can get an early start in the morning), fill it just before leaving on the trip.
Don't leave the fuel pump unattended when filling your tank.
Check the fuel gauge when returning to your vehicle to make sure your gas hasn't been stolen; report any fuel theft immediately to local law enforcement.

[1] Locking gas caps and anti-siphoning devices serve as deterrents. They are intended to discourage inexperienced thieves from committing crimes in public areas. However, they may encourage a determined thief to go under the vehicle to steal gas by cutting the fuel line or puncturing the tank. As a result, the owner could end up paying hundreds of dollars for repairs or gas line/tank replacement.