Kamloops sees uptick in gas-related thefts as daycare bus becomes latest target

“It appeared that it had a major leak and then upon further inspection found an apparatus that we think was used to try and get fuel from the tank — which probably didn’t work. They then went underneath and drilled a hole, which we were able to see. We called police right away. This has happened to us earlier; it happened to a separate vehicle,” says learning centre educator Malia Magnusson.

Magnusson added the learning centre was hit by the same crime in December when their van’s gas was siphoned.

Kamloops RCMP say each year, around seven reports of gas thefts are called in. In 2022, there have already been 17 separate incidents.

“With the price of gas clearly on the rise we have seen an uptick in thefts of fuel from a motor vehicle,” says Cst. Crystal Evelyn with the Kamloops RCMP.

The learning centre has dealt with this same act of desperation now, saying the cost of repairs keeps adding up.

“It’s been a really challenging year or a couple of years through COVID and then with a crisis of shortage of staff in the industry — and we provide an essential service. We’ve had to shut down now a couple of times at a moment’s notice with no warning to these families and it’s been really challenging,” says Magnusson.

Kamloops RCMP says incidents like these aren’t isolated and people may want to take precautions for their vehicles.

Evelyn adds, “To help prevent it — I know it’s hard to, especially when people are drilling tanks — but if you have an opportunity to park inside in a secure area like a garage or compound, that’s always the best option to help protect your vehicle.”

She also says to keep vehicles in well-lit areas and a locking gas cap can make it harder for criminals to siphon gas.

The learning centre says increased security will be needed to prevent this reoccurring crime.

“We’re definitely really afraid that this will continue to happen. Right now, we don’t have a surveillance system installed it’s really expensive to get one installed but that’s something that we’re probably going to have look to do,” Magnusson adds.

RCMP reminds residents to report any fuel thefts by calling the detachment at (250) 828-3000 or by calling 9-1-1 for an emergency.

by Connor Gunn

Kamloops sees uptick in gas-related thefts as daycare bus becomes latest target

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