This news article summarizes two incidents where thieves have targeted cars with gas tanks, drilling holes into the tanks to steal fuel. The article highlights the concern of one victim, Dale Peters, who has spent $2,000 on repairs and expresses frustration with the situation, while expressing hope that thieves will be caught with the assistance of cameras.
Englewood police are investigating two recent cases of thieves drilling holes into gas tank s to steal fuel from cars. The incidents happened overnight in the area of S. Galapago Street and W. Cornell Avenue, according to police.
Neighbor Dale Peters said something similar happened to his wife's car. Peters is now out $2,000 for repairs.
'I get it's the price of gas, but it's still criminal, 100%,' Peters said. When asked what message he would send to the thieves, Peters had a simple response.
'Who does that? You know? I don't know,' he said. At Hochkiss Auto Repair, senior manager Cody Leach said they often see this happening to trucks and SUVs because of their bigger gas tanks.
'A lot of times they're in the back, where the spare tire is over here,' Leach pointed out. Leach said thieves often can't collect all the fuel they drain, but they'll get away with what they can. He added while some cars have metal skid plates protecting the tank, others just have the plastic tank.
'They'll just come in right from the side of the car, drill a hole, put a pan or something underneath it,' Leach said. Police say there is not much drivers can do other than park in a garage. Neighbors, however, are hopeful the thieves will be caught.
'There's cameras everywhere, so hopefully they catch them,' said neighbor Thomas Painter. Meanwhile, Peters said he has taken his own precautions.
'I got cameras everywhere, so does that help? I hope, you know, deter them away,' Peters said. This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
Theft Gas Tank Car Cody Leach Cameras Neighbors Protective Plate Gas Tank Drilling Inflation Pan
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Biggest roster holes for all 32 NFL teams following the draftEven after free agency, trades and the draft, NFL teams still have at least one position that needs a boost. Here's one for every roster.
Read more »
California gas station chain offering 40 cents off gas for three hours onlyToday's Video Headlines: 05/07/26
Read more »
Black holes slamming into scorching stars may be causing mysterious blue flashes in the cosmosRobert Lea is a science journalist in the U.K. whose articles have been published in Physics World, New Scientist, Astronomy Magazine, All About Space, Newsweek and ZME Science. He also writes about science communication for Elsevier and the European Journal of Physics.
Read more »
Letters: Bay Area gas ban will line PG&E’s pocketsAlso: Gas with gas | Social worker support | S.J. history | Gas prices | Iran error. Mercury News reader letters to the editor for May 10, 2026.
Read more »