My friend just told me his car's tank got siphoned last night!

[Hobarticus]

WTF?

He lives on a major street, in a small city in Iowa.

Who'da thunk it?

[nonconformist]

1. It's like the 70's all over again. nt

[wtmusic]

2. Heh you beat me to it

This post brings a nostalgic smile to my face.

Next: ON SALE TODAY--Locking Gas Caps

[Sydnie]

5. I felt the nostaglia the other day when

they gas station owner was run down and noted then that locking gas caps were the next thing on the horizon. As I said then, "and so it begins".

[bribri16]

9. And i don't believe these were poor people trying to survive a disaster.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

6. I was telling my kids about that the other day, and explained why

most cars have gas tanks now that can only be opened from the inside.

[hlthe2b]

3. I think mine did too--Denver. but something must have stopped

them. My external gas "hatch" was opened (car was locked so no way to get to the latch, but I'm told these can open if you hit them just right). I had just filled up and am certain I closed everything afterwards. It did appear that I was down at least 1/8 tank....:shrug:

[Wickerman]

4. I grew up in Iowa

and kids did it all the time - even when gas was 50 cents or so a gal. The difference is that now it isn't a prank or some kid getting gas for his street machine to cruise Main St. This is some poor guy stealing gas to get to work at some crummy, low-paying job.

[Hobarticus]

13. He said that his neighbor just bought an SUV, then lost his job

Two strikes, right there.

[stevietheman]

7. It's time for everyone to get lockable gas caps. n/t

n/t

[The_Casual_Observer]

8. It is a nasty hard thing to do. It is usually hard to get a tube down the

pipe and into the tank due to sharp bends. And, starting a siphon with your mouth is a horrible experience

[Mairead]

11. I imagine it won't be long before there are gangs going along the

street with battery-driven syphon pumps: pop the gas cap, snake in the syphon, flip the switch, 30 seconds later on to the next car.

[Mairead]

10. How do you double the value of an SUV? Fill the gas tank.

That used to be a Yugo joke.

[catmandu57]

12. Locking gas caps aren't a solution

We could pop a lock cap in no time and a determined gas thief laugs at that shit, if you really want at the gas popping a locking cover and cap is a small problem.
The best thing a lock does is keep honest people honest.

[Hubert Flottz]

14. A lock gas cap is a good way to blow yourself up.

Beware of static electricity causing a spark from the key in your hand, to gasoline fumes, all around the area where you will be pumping gas.

[OhioChick]

15. Soon.........

This will be the norm everywhere......