An idea for prevention of gas theft

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Do you think installing a magnetic actuated switch on the gas fill door connected to the horn would work? I thought about just a pushbutton type, but I don't want any spark hazard. That is why I was thinking of a magnetic type.

Late at night and if the horn starts to go off, we know then that somebody is trying to help themselves. I'm thinking that this might just be a great idea.

Any thoughts?...........Thanks SS

 

[TommyA]

Re: An idea for prevention of gas theft

That would work well as long as you have a way of disarming it with little hassle when you need to fill. Do you leave the boat in the water or are you just worried that someone might try and help themselves in the yard?

 

[KnottyBuoyz]

Re: An idea for prevention of gas theft

Just switch your holding tank & gas tank lids.

A magnetic switch would probably work. Easily available at Radio Shack or any security supply place. I'd be more inclined to wire 12 volts through a coil to the gas lid to deliver 20,000 volts if somebody screws with it! ;-)

Alarms work if you're within ear shot I guess. If nobody's around you'll save your gas and maybe kill your battery. I'm leaning towards a motion detector light. There are anti-siphon devices you can get that go in your fill line. I think we talked about those awhile back.

 

[JB]

Re: An idea for prevention of gas theft

Cars were a lot simpler then, but my Dad disconnected the fill pipe on his '41 Dodge and put a fill pipe in the trunk, which he kept locked.

The doors for the fillers on my last 3 Mercedes locked when the doors were locked and would trigger the alarm if tampered with.

The only vehicle I had gas stolen from was my '86 Ford Ranger. I was living in the city (ghetto) then.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: An idea for prevention of gas theft

Don't they still sell them springs that went in the fill pipe so a hose would not pass into said fill pipe?

 

[gonefishie]

Re: An idea for prevention of gas theft

One-way valve? I thought vehicle manf. anytime after the 80's supposed to have anti-siphon device in the fill pipe.

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: An idea for prevention of gas theft

This isn't for my boat, that is taken care of.

Its true there is springs inside, but I have managed to get past them with a syphon hose. (Needed gas for chainsaw) Our cars are parked within ear shot and I even have cameras aimed at them. Problem with the cameras is that it still allows the thieves to get the gas. It shows who is doing it, but if we don't know them it makes it rough to identify who did it.

JB, you got a good point. Mabe a cable with a latch system on the lid would work. Locking caps help, but somehow the thieves will then just figure away around it by punching a hole in the tank. That is whats been happening around here.

I've been parking my service van at night with the fill side up against the fill side of my bucket truck. If they can't get inbetween the vehicles, they won't have access. It is ashame that we have to protect gas like it was gold.

I got to thinking that even one of those simple alarms that people use on hotel doors would work. Battery powered and self contained. When they open the lid, it pulls a pin out letting the alarm go off. That maybe a more simple way to discourage a would be gas thief.

When it comes thievery, they will ususally get around to getting what they want one way or another........SS

 

[SgtMaj]

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[INJUN]

Re: An idea for prevention of gas theft

While on this subject. . .
Keep an eye on your liscense plate. They'll take them and temp place them on their vehicle, fill up and not pay / drive off. Officers will come a knocking.

 

[thefairlaneman]

Re: An idea for prevention of gas theft

Why not get one of those wireless motion detectors from HF and set it inside the car facing the tank door. When the crook walks up to the rear of the car the alarm will wake you up and he wont know it,then you can sneak up on him and take care of your business...you might as well get some entertainment out of it.....

 

[rolmops]

Re: An idea for prevention of gas theft

What makes you think that you will not get a spark if you use a magnet? Static electricity loves magnets.

 

[SgtMaj]

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[wildmaninal]

Re: An idea for prevention of gas theft

A locking gas cap won't do the trick? I was thinking along the lines of one of those car alarms that will go off if you get to close.

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: An idea for prevention of gas theft

A locking gas cap won't do the trick?

Yes, it would. Maybe some here are as much interested in catching the would-be thief as prevent gas theft. Not an unworthy pursuit, but sometimes more trouble than it's worth. A young fella I am acquainted with, caught someone trying to steal his gas a few night ago. He stepped out on the porch and released a few rounds in the air from his 9mm. Needless to say, the would-be disappeared. Neighbor called the law and those 6 9mm shots cost him $133 each.

 

[CN Spots]

Re: An idea for prevention of gas theft

A $2 screwdriver can defeat a $10 locking gas cap anyday. Besides, 'round here they're just drilling through the plastic tanks and stealing the gas from underneath.

My truck runs on gas but I made a "DIESEL FUEL ONLY" sticker at work, printed it on clear film and stuck it over my GAS tank door. Sure they can steal it. But I'll feel alot happier afterwards knowing what's about to happen to whatever they're about to put that "diesel" in.

Me and the cops'll be watching the repair shops.

 

[thefairlaneman]

Re: An idea for prevention of gas theft

Would "taking care of your business" include asking him if he'd like a smoke, then flicking your bic?

Well it may very involve smoke but it wouldnt be coming from a cigarette.It might also include some hollering and pain. Ive been the victum several times and pity the fool I catch.We have alot of daylight home invasions here . I put my car in the garage during the day when the wifes gone hoping that some crack head will think no one is at home and break in...Ive got something for them

 

[kenimpzoom]

Re: An idea for prevention of gas theft

I just purchased an Audiovox car alarm for 40 bucks at the auto parts store. Has a shock sensor and a voltage sensor. Works great.