The theft of fuel at gas stations is rising significantly due to the currently high cost of gasoline. Herbert Rabl, a spokesperson for the German Gas Station Interests Association, told the “Bild-Zeitung” (Wednesday edition) that the lowered tolerance for crime is noticeable. He stated, “As soon as prices approach 2.40 euros, the threshold for criminality drops. Then some simply drive away without paying.”
Despite the high risk of being caught-as nearly every gas station is video monitored-thieves are typically noticed filling tanks completely. Rabl also pointed out that many criminals try to disguise their identities using stolen or covered license plates. However, he added that such manipulations are “usually recognized quickly.”
In a separate comment, a spokesperson for a gas station operator in Westphalia told the “Bild-Zeitung” that they had observed a slight increase in fuel theft over the past two to three weeks.
