‘Gas and dash’ thefts appear to be on the rise amid soaring prices
Posted March 8, 2022 8:04 am.
Last Updated March 8, 2022 2:34 pm.
As prices at the pumps continue to soar, some GTA gas station operators are telling CityNews they are seeing a spike in drivers filling up and taking off without paying.
CityNews has learned of seven west-end Toronto gas stations who have had incidents of theft in recent weeks, including an Etobicoke station, near Kipling and Dundas, that had at least $1,000 worth of gas stolen.
Attendants say thefts are almost always caught on camera, but in some instances drivers have had stolen licence plates.
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One driver stole more than $200 worth of fuel while in a van with stolen plates, according to an attendant at one station. Police say they investigate each incident and those who are caught face criminals charges, including theft.
More stations suggest they may be switching to pre-pay only to avoid further incidents of theft.
When asked about the reported thefts, Toronto police says they have not seen a notable increase in the theft of gas occurrences in the west end of the city.
As gas prices soar numerous gas stations are noticing increase in gas&dash thefts. This driver who stole >$200 gas was in van with stolen plates. Police investigate all incidents/those caught face criminal charges. Drivers may find more gas stations switching to pre-pay only pic.twitter.com/fXlJmiCXbG
— carl hanstke (@carlCityNews) March 8, 2022
Prices currently sit at 184.9 cents per litre at most GTA stations, with another increase expected for Wednesday.
The previous record high at the pumps in Ontario was $1.61 per litre before the surge in the last week.
“In Canada prices are already at all-time record highs. Much of Canada will continue to see prices go up another five to 15 cents a litre over the next one to two weeks. So the pain is equal, no matter where you are in the U.S. or Canada,” said Patrick de Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy.com.
The price of gasoline has already topped $2 a litre in British Columbia as Canadians across the country continue to see eye-popping numbers.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has pushed oil prices to levels not seen in at least eight years as tanker companies shun Russian crude and sanctions exclude some Russian banks from a global payments system, severely disrupting its exports.
With files from The Canadian Press
