A man is facing charges after reportedly stealing 500 gallons of diesel fuel from a gas station in Lodi, causing around $10,000 in damages. The suspect, Antonio Cirno from Las Vegas, allegedly used a crowbar to break into the pump and was caught in the act.
It seems he hid a fuel tank in his truck, injecting the stolen fuel. An employee from Krutt Oil and Propane noted that the thief probably needed only about five minutes to gain access and transfer the fuel.
Cirno’s operation was interrupted when a customer noticed something wasn’t right. The police reported that the customer was suspicious because Cirno had been there much longer than he claimed. After being alerted, police seized the truck and recovered the stolen diesel, but the damage was significant.
In California, gasoline prices have spiked recently, with average premiums hitting $6.17 per gallon, while diesel reached as much as $7. This has escalated from a month ago when a gallon of diesel cost approximately $5.01, largely due to state policies that many believe are driving prices even higher.
The state’s unique fuel requirements and taxes add to the financial strain. Drivers often experience what’s known as a “California premium.” One customer, Jill Gottlieb, filled her Mercedes at a downtown Los Angeles Chevron station, and the price left her shocked—$107 for a full tank.
Citing past incidents, the gas station owner mentioned that this location had previously been targeted by thieves who made off with over 6,500 gallons of diesel. He emphasized the correlation between rising fuel prices and theft, stating if it isn’t his station being targeted, it will be another.
