High gas prices spurring thefts

While stolen gas losses doubled nationwide, only 20 Missouri thieves lost licenses last year.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- As gasoline prices continue to rise well past the $2-per-gallon mark, more motorists are inclined to drive off without paying after filling up.

And as gasoline theft increases, it contributes to even higher prices as stations pass on their losses to paying customers, according to Ron Leone, executive director of the Missouri Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association.

"There is a direct correlation between increasing gas prices and increases in gas theft; there is no doubt about it," Leone said. "As gas theft increases, law-abiding consumers pay for it with even higher prices."

Gasoline theft cost retailers an estimated $237 million nationwide in 2004, according to the National Association of Convenience Stores. That was more than double the $112 million in losses attributed to gas theft in 2003. Leone said theft is an even bigger problem this year.

In 2001, Missouri toughened penalties on gas thieves by enacting a law that strips them of their driving privileges. In addition to potential fines and jail time, convicted gas thieves face a mandatory 60-day suspension of their driver's license for a first offense. A second conviction carries a 90-day suspension, with subsequent offenses carrying 180-day suspensions.

Twenty-six other states have similar laws. However, Missouri's statute isn't frequently invoked.

Missouri Department of Revenue spokeswoman Maura Browning said 20 motorists lost their licenses during 2004 under the law.

By contrast, Indiana had suspended 246 licenses for gas theft during just the first half of 2004, according to the National Association of Convenience Stores. Indiana adopted its law the same year as Missouri.

Leone said Missouri lacks adequate enforcement.

"It tends to be a low priority for local law enforcement, although it is a big problem for my industry," Leone said.

Mike Right, a spokesman for AAA of Missouri, said the average price for gas in Missouri was $2.14 per gallon and rising as of Wednesday morning. Prices in St. Louis had hit $2.28 a gallon, helping to boost the statewide average, Right said.

Although numerous unpredictable factors drive changes in fuel prices, Right said the expectation is prices will go higher.

"The market is tight, and anytime you have a tight market you can anticipate prices going north," Right said.

Leone said convenience store owners are taking a number of steps to prevent theft, including installing more surveillance cameras and requiring customers to pay at the pump using a credit or debit card or prepay with cash. However, Leone said mandatory prepaying is being used only as a last resort since it is unpopular with customers.

"Not a lot of my members have gone to total prepay because you are pushing the consumer away and taking the convenience out of convenience stores," Leone said.

Many stores are also reluctant to encourage greater use of credit cards. While it guarantees the gas will be paid for, the fees retailers pay to credit card companies further eat into the already slim profit margins on fuel sales, Leone said.

mpowers@semissourian.com

(573) 635-4608