High Gas Prices Prompting Thefts

Laramie, WY – Gas stations are seeing an increase in the number of people who fill up and drive off without paying. There have been reported out of Gillette about a number of gas thefts occurring there. Colorado-Wyoming Petroleum Marketers Association Executive Vice President Roy Turner says drive-offs generally go up when gas prices rise. He says it's more a problem in Colorado than Wyoming because Wyoming law enforcement is more aggressive in catching gas thieves. Turner says it's tough to profile a typical "gas pirate." He says it's not just teenagers, but those who drive sport utility vehicles. Gas prices in Wyoming have leveled off in the past few weeks.