ENGLEWOOD, Colo. - TelAve -- A reckless new method of fuel theft is threatening the safety of Englewood & South Denver neighborhoods. Thieves have had to move away from siphoning and are now using power drills to puncture fuel tanks, turning residential streets into active fire hazards.

Jason Colson, owner of AutoLab Englewood Auto Repair, warns this trend is a significant public safety concern.

"When you take a power tool to a gas tank, you are creating an immediate fire risk," Colson said. "Between the internal sparks from a drill motor, static electricity, or the drill bit hitting metal surrounding the tank, you have multiple ways to start a fire. It is a recipe for a disaster that can spread to a home, business or parking garage in minutes."

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The Real-World Risk

The danger is well-documented. In a June 2022 Salt Lake City incident, a thief attempting to drill into a truck's fuel tank was caught on camera as the vehicle caught fire. The thief narrowly escaped the flames, but the truck was damaged.

"We have seen how quickly this goes wrong," said Colson. "These individuals are risking the safety of the entire block for a few gallons of gas."

Why the Danger is Increasing

The rise in drilling is an unintended consequence of modern safety engineering. Most cars now feature anti-siphon and check valves designed to stop the flow of fuel in a crash or rollover.

"The old-school way of siphoning is dead," Colson explained. "The safety features meant to keep you safe in a wreck are ironically forcing thieves to take a destructive shortcut. Because they cannot get past the safety valves, they are using power tools on the bottom of the car."

From a $50 Theft to a $2,000 Repair

While thieves only steal a small amount of fuel, the damage is astronomical. Modern high-density plastic tanks cannot be safely patched. A full replacement typically costs between $1,500 and $2,000.

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Colson urges Englewood residents to be vigilant. "If you hear a drill in a parking lot or driveway at night, pay attention. This isn't just theft; it's a fire hazard for your neighbors. Report suspicious activity immediately."
Victims of fuel theft can schedule an inspection to ensure their vehicle is safe to drive.

About AutoLab Englewood Auto Repair

AutoLab Englewood is a family-owned repair facility specializing in fuel system repair and diagnostics and community safety awareness.

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