SPRING – A gas station in Spring is the latest victim of a diesel theft. It’s a crime that’s increasing along with gas prices.
The Chevron gas station, located in the 6100 block of Root Rd., is now out hundreds of gallons of precious and expensive diesel.
“It’s around 1,800 to 2,000 gallons of diesel,” said owner Muhammad Faisal. “Around $10,000 to $12,000.”
Faisal said the organized theft happened after they closed the convenience store at 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, and wrapped up after 5 a.m. on Sunday.
Faisal said his cameras captured truck after truck filling tanks of diesel and then leaving and returning for more loads.
“There are eight or nine trucks coming (at) different timing,” he said. “One is the main guy. He is like walking around.”
Faisal said the pump’s computer didn’t show the missing diesel, but upon checking their inventory while doing paperwork Monday morning, they knew something was off.
That’s when the gas station owner said he checked their cameras.
Faisal said initially he thought the thieves had gotten the diesel directly from the tanks, but surveillance video showed they used a key to open the pump’s panel to get the diesel out.
“Especially, given the cost of fuel right now across the county, this is especially an egregious crime with the individuals taking advantage of small businesses like this,” said Capt. Jonathan Zitzmann with the Harris County Pct. 4 Constable’s Office.
Zitzmann said the thieves could face first- or second-degree felonies when captured. He said deputy constables need the public’s help in finding the diesel thieves to help stop their operation.
“Several of the individuals were wearing large clothing and highlighter jackets, which made it really difficult to identify and kind of get descriptions from in the video,” Zitzmann said.
Zitzmann said the vehicles deputies were able to make out from the surveillance footage were:
- A white 1990′s extended cab Ford Super Duty flatbed pickup. The middle of the five roof clearance lights was out. The truck was driven by a man in a yellow-hooded rain jacket.
- A white 2000′s crew cab Ford Super Duty flatbed pickup, driven by a man wearing a yellow jacket. The truck had toolboxes, a blue hose roll-on passenger side, and an emergency light bar over the rear passenger compartment.
- A white 2010′s Crew Cab Ford F-150 with chrome running boards and a 1,500-gallon tote tank in the bed.
- A second white 2010′s Crew Cab Ford F-150.
- A Blue 2010′s Crew Cab Ford F-140 with a black brush guard.
Anyone with information regarding the theft, contact Harris County Pct. 4′s dispatch at (281) 376-3472.