Kelowna residents say fuel thefts have involved holes drilled into fuel tanks and forced-open fuel caps, leading to repair costs.
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Kelowna residents say suspected fuel thefts have left vehicle owners facing more than lost gasoline or diesel, after fuel tanks and fuel caps were damaged while vehicles were parked.
Roger Dyck said he and his wife noticed a strong smell and realized fuel was pouring from their truck as they were leaving a Walmart parking lot around 8:45 p.m. Saturday. Dyck said they saw the fuel draining into the street and alerted nearby police officers after noticing them in the lot.
Dyck said fire department crews were called to clean up the spilled fuel. He also said he expects it will take weeks before parts for his 2020 Chevrolet Silverado are installed, leaving him without his truck for about another week or two while he uses his wife’s SUV.
Dyck estimated the repairs could cost between $1,000 and $2,000, though he said he was still waiting for an official estimate. He said his insurance deductible is $300 and that he expects towing to cost about $200 depending on what his insurance will cover.
In another case, Chris Loney said he returned from a trip to Edmonton to find the fuel cap pried open on his 1992 Mitsubishi Pajero, and that a significant amount of diesel was missing.
Loney said older vehicles may be more vulnerable because they lack protective mechanisms found in many newer models, while he said newer vehicles can be targeted through more damaging methods. He added that even with a cylinder lock, thieves may be able to force access.
A body shop manager, Vince Minnis, said a replacement fuel tank can cost around $1,000, and that the total could rise to about $2,000 if a brand-new original-equipment tank is required.
Dyck said high fuel prices may be playing a role in thefts and urged people to consider the damage caused to others. Loney said the theft has been frustrating because vehicle-related expenses already take up much of his budget, adding that he couldn’t enjoy his vehicle over the weekend after the incident.
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