PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — Residents in one Northeast Portland neighborhood are on edge after a rash of thefts in which thieves drilled holes directly into gas tanks, draining fuel and leaving car owners with costly repairs.
Broad Daylight Crime
Angela, a local resident who asked that her last name not be used, said she recently became one of the victims.
She had parked her car near Northeast 60th Avenue and Glisan Street last week and noticed the smell of gasoline the following morning.
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“I was like, ‘Oh, it smells like gasoline outside. That’s strange,’” she recalled. Later, when she tried to drive her vehicle, she discovered the fuel gauge on empty despite having left a quarter of a tank the day before.
Upon closer inspection, she found the source of the problem: a drilled hole in the bottom of her gas tank. “I saw that there was a nice hole in the gas tank,” Angela said. She immediately filed a police report.
A Growing Problem
Neighbors say the incident is not isolated. Joey Collins, who lives nearby, said the same tactic has been used on multiple vehicles in the area.
“There’s a little shop where I know they were having issues getting their gas stolen from underneath, just drilling into the tank. Also, right up the next street, right at 61st and Burnside,” Collins said.
Collins said he worries he could be the next target. Owning two cars and a Toyota Tundra truck, he said the financial risk is significant.
“You know, it’s over a hundred dollars to fill that thing up in gas. So yeah, if I come out one day and then I have a hole in the bottom of my Tundra, oh, I will be very, very upset,” he said.
To protect his vehicle, Collins has already installed a skid plate underneath his truck in hopes of deterring would-be thieves.
High Costs for Victims
The damage from drilling into a gas tank often exceeds the value of the stolen fuel. Replacing or repairing the tank can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, depending on the vehicle.
Angela said she was fortunate that her insurance covered most of her repair costs. Still, she expressed frustration at being targeted.
“It’s just upsetting that people are willing to do something like this. It’s already so tough to do anything in this economy,” she said.
Safety Tips From AAA
Auto experts warn that gas theft by drilling is harder to prevent than siphoning, which involves pulling fuel out of a car’s filler neck. However, AAA recommends several steps to reduce the risk:
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Park in a garage if you have one at home.
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Choose well-lit areas with high visibility and foot traffic when parking in public.
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Opt for secure lots when possible, such as fenced-in areas or monitored parking garages.
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Pick visible spots in garages, ideally near exits or elevators where there is more activity.
Installing protective plates, as Collins did, can add another layer of security for vehicles especially vulnerable to drilling.
Police Response
The Portland Police Bureau confirmed reports of fuel thefts in the neighborhood but did not provide details on the number of cases or whether suspects have been identified. For now, residents are being urged to file police reports if they fall victim to the crime.
Community Frustration
For neighbors, the crime wave adds another layer of concern to the daily challenges of living in Portland. Beyond the immediate costs of repairs, residents say the thefts undermine their sense of security.
“It feels like you can’t even leave your car parked without worrying,” Collins said. “We’re just trying to get by, and then something like this happens.”
As police investigate, residents are keeping a closer eye on their streets — and on their gas tanks.
