BRONSON URGES CONSUMERS TO ADOPT MEASURES TO COMBAT FUEL

caliber · BRONSON URGES CONSUMERS TO ADOPT MEASURES TO COMBAT FUEL

BRONSON URGES CONSUMERS TO ADOPT MEASURES TO COMBAT FUEL THEFTS

TALLAHASSEE -- With fuel prices at record levels and rising, Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson is encouraging consumers to take precautions to prevent thefts of fuel from their vehicles.

While there is no statewide database detailing the extent of the problem, anecdotal evidence is mounting that thieves are siphoning gasoline, diesel and other motor fuels from cars and trucks sitting in driveways and parking lots because of the rising value of the fuel. Gasoline stations are also increasingly being targeted by fuel thefts, according to Bronson's Petroleum Inspection Bureau and Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement.

"While Florida and the nation are working on the development of alternative fuels and adopting conservation measures to ultimately bring down the price of gasoline, we are nonetheless all forced at the moment to pay record prices for fuel," Bronson said. "And with filling a gas tank commonly reaching $50 and even $75 each fueling, the last thing we need is for thieves to siphon the fuel out of our gas tanks."

Toward that end, the Commissioner is offering the following tips to prevent a motorist from being the victim of fuel thefts:

-- Consider the purchase a locking gas cap.

-- When possible, park your car in a locked garage.

-- Park in well-lit areas when possible.

-- If a vehicle has an alarm, set it before parking.

-- Check the fuel gauge before parking; report any fuel theft immediately.

-- When pumping fuel at a gas station, never leave an activated pump unattended.

-- If purchasing a new vehicle, inquire about a locking fuel door.

Farms and agricultural operations in general, both nationally and in Florida, appear to be victims of increasing gasoline and diesel thefts also, and Bronson recommends that such properties be fenced or gated, and as well lit when possible. Nurseries, packinghouses and agricultural storage areas should consider installing security cameras with a tape backup. Thefts at farming operations should be reported to local law enforcement or Bronson's Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement at 1-800-342-5869.

In addition to protecting a vehicle's fuel from being stolen, Bronson is also encouraging consumers to adopt fuel conservation measures as a means of combating skyrocketing fuel prices.

Such measures include car pooling, using public transportation when possible, combining errands to minimize the number of trips taken in your vehicle, maintaining a reasonable speed, using the most economical grade of gasoline recommended for your vehicle and keeping tires properly inflated.