Sheriff: Guard gas cans from thieves

With gasoline prices now topping $4.19 per gallon locally, Franklin County Sheriff Tom Tindle is encouraging residents to keep their fuel containers away from potential thieves.

“We’ve been getting a lot of calls regarding individuals finding their cans taken or their gasoline stolen, and that’s probably not going to slow down any time soon,” he said.

“It’s a good idea to put your containers in a secure, well-ventilated place that can be locked up and away from the eyes of people looking to steal just about anything that’s not tied down.”

Tindle said the pinch being felt at the pump tends to make gasoline thefts more prevalent — especially in remote, rural areas of Franklin County.

“We have people going around looking for gas cans that can be taken in a matter of seconds if they are unsecured and spotted from the road,” the sheriff continued.

“The best advice is to make it as difficult as possible for someone to try to take your gas by taking steps that will prevent you from becoming a victim.”

American Automobile Association spokesperson Don Redman said Mississippi’s gas prices are now, on average, 44 cents higher than they were a month ago and as much as $1.50 more than this same time last year.

“Between groceries and gasoline, the cost for most average families is now between $90 and $150 more per month than has previously been seen,” Redman said in regards to the change in out-of-pocket expenses.

Also, for the first time in history, the average cost of a gallon of gasoline is at or above $4 per gallon in all 50 states.

Redman went on to say AAA expects record high fuel costs will remain in place through the summer months as the traditional vacation season gets under way.