Fuel Thieves Advertise Siphoned Gas Online


Virginia Beach police say thieves siphoned thousands of dollars worth of fuel from a closed gas station over the course of several days while advertising discounted gas on social media.

The Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD) announced Thursday the arrests of Rashane Griffith, 24, and Devon Drumgoole, 21, both of Norfolk, on charges of grand larceny, conspiracy, and possession of burglary tools.

Officers responded Tuesday to a report of suspicious activity at the already closed Citgo gas station. Upon arrival, officers observed numerous vehicles and individuals congregating on the property, pumping gasoline.

A preliminary investigation determined that devices were being used to illegally access gas pumps, police said.

The suspects advertised the discounted gas operation on social media. It was determined that thousands of dollars worth of gasoline was stolen from the business over several days, police said.

The department said the investigation by the VBPD Detective Bureau remains active and recommends gas stations that close overnight review security camera footage from the last few weeks to ensure they have not been victims.

“It is recommended these businesses take extra precautions to ensure this does not happen to them in the future,” the Virginia Beach Police Department said in a statement.

The arrests came when national average gas prices reached $5 per gallon. On Sunday, the average price for a gallon of gasoline slipped slightly below the $5 threshold for a second consecutive day, according to American Automobile Association (AAA).

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