The act of stealing gas is formally known as gasoline theft.
Understanding Gasoline Theft
Gasoline theft refers to the unauthorized removal of fuel from a gas station without making the required payment. This criminal act is common globally, manifesting under various colloquial terms depending on the region. It specifically involves the act of a person or vehicle leaving a fuel station after dispensing gasoline without completing the transaction.
Common Terms for Stealing Gas
While "gasoline theft" is the official designation, several informal terms are widely used to describe this specific type of crime:
- Fill and Fly: A colloquial term primarily used in the United States, describing the act of a motorist filling their tank and quickly driving away without paying.
- Gas and Dash: Another common term in the US, vividly describing the rapid action of dispensing fuel and then fleeing the scene.
- Drive-off: Frequently used in the US, this term refers to any instance where a vehicle drives away from a gas station without payment for the fuel dispensed.
- Bilking: This term is predominantly used in the United Kingdom to describe the act of obtaining goods or services fraudulently, specifically including fuel theft.
Here's a summary of these terms:
| Formal Term | Colloquial Terms (US) | Colloquial Term (UK) | Definition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gasoline Theft | Fill and Fly, Gas and Dash, Drive-off | Bilking | Removing gasoline from a station without payment. |
The Act Defined
Essentially, gasoline theft involves a motorist filling their vehicle's fuel tank and then leaving the premises without paying. This can happen intentionally, where the driver plans to steal the fuel, or sometimes unintentionally (though the latter is usually resolved by the driver returning to pay). The consequences for gasoline theft vary by jurisdiction but typically include:
- Fines
- License suspension
- Imprisonment, especially for repeat offenders or large quantities of stolen fuel
Prevention and Impact
Gas stations employ various measures to combat fuel theft, aiming to reduce financial losses and deter potential thieves. Common prevention strategies include:
- Prepayment requirements: Many stations now require customers to pay before pumping fuel, either inside the store or at the pump.
- Surveillance cameras: High-quality video surveillance systems record license plates and driver images, which can be used to identify offenders.
- License plate recognition (LPR) systems: Automated systems that can quickly identify and flag vehicles associated with previous drive-offs.
- Staff vigilance: Attendants are trained to monitor suspicious behavior and report incidents promptly.
The financial impact of gasoline theft can be significant for fuel retailers, leading to substantial revenue losses and increased operational costs due to security measures.
