VIDEO: Gas Tank Drilling Caught on Surveillance

Last week we reported on a rash of gas thefts on Maui in which victims have been left with damage to their vehicles from a suspect or suspects who have drilled holes in their tanks to access the gasoline.

Security surveillance from Māʻalaea gas theft 4.22.17.

While most of the incidents were reported in Kīhei, one of the incidents was caught on security surveillance video during an incident reported at 4:07 a.m. on Saturday, April 22, in Māʻalaea.

The victim in the incident reported that one gallon of gas worth $3 was stolen, but the repair and tow to his truck will leave him with a bill running upwards of $1,500. Others say the act has forced vehicle owners to completely replace their entire gas tank and expressed concern of the potential fire or explosion hazard that could result

Crews from the Maui Fire Department responded to several 9-1-1 calls last week.  One of the victims tells Maui Now that when they filed a police report, they were told that at least five other victims had reported similar activity.  Sources tell us that the suspect(s) accomplished the thefts by going underneath the vehicles and drilling straight through the bottom of the gas tank.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Maui Police Department.  We are currently awaiting Police reports for more detailed information on each incident.