The Saskatchewan RCMP is warning the public fuel theft went up 70% in 2022.. Gas purchase .According to the RCMP press release, the police received 818 fuel theft reports in the province..The most common fuel theft happened at the gas pump, with 510 reports of someone filling up at a gas station and driving off without paying..There were 177 fuel thefts from “large fuel tanks or heavy machinery” and 106 from “bulk fuel tanks at businesses, farms, and rural municipalities.”.The remaining fuel thefts were from "small jerry cans and similar containers,” according to the RCMP..Battlefords area had the most thefts at 61, followed closely by Saskatoon with 58..The RCMP said fuel thefts have not slowed in 2023, including “two recent incidents involving tank drilling.”.Some tips from the RCMP to prevent criminals from stealing your fuel include:.Locking privately-owned fuel tanks and ensuring the area they are located in is well-lit.Setting up video or photo surveillance in areas where a privately-owned fuel tank is located.If possible, parking vehicles in a locked garage or outbuilding or parking in a well-lit, frequently-travelled location.Parking vehicles with the fuel door facing a frequently-travelled road.If possible, avoid parking in one area or leaving a vehicle unattended for an extended period of time.If a vehicle has an alarm, activate it when leaving it unattended.Reporting suspicious activity to police, even if it does not involve your own vehicle.
