WESH 2 News, Orlando, Fla. -- Fuel-related ripoffs have surfaced on the streets as thieves across Central Florida notice the record gas prices and get creative.
Orlando police said they've seen motorcycle thefts double in the past two months. Desperate drivers appear to be tapping into tanks any way they can.
Bikers are revved up to ride, even with the rising gas prices. They've boasted about the miles per gallon their motorcycles can get.
"I'm getting almost 50," said biker David Moriarty.
Unfortunately, the bikes' great gas mileage is catching the attention of criminals, too.
"It's good for them because motorcycles and scooters are easier to steal than automobiles. You know, you can pick them up and carry them away," said Tom Guest.
Now more than ever, dealers like Arlen Ness are pushing bikers to protect their rides.
"This one has an alarm sensor in it," said Shelly Rossmeyer Pepe, general manager of Arlen Ness.
The alarms also have anti-theft locks.
"They're really not going to be able to push it when it's on there," said Rossmeyer Pepe.
Moriarty is opting for the bike and leaving his fuel-guzzling Hummer at home. He is worried, however, that thieves may swipe gas right out of his 25-gallon tank.
"Seventy dollars doesn't fill up a gas tank, and then there's always the fear that somebody's going to punch out the bottom of your gas tank, which is prevalent around here," said Moriarty.
Deputies said they busted a Marion County couple doing just that. They're accused of drilling holes in gas tanks at several stations and draining them dry. The free fuel spree ended when investigators found a drill left behind, engraved with the suspect's name.
"Basically they were stealing the gas to fuel themselves to perpetuate other crimes in the area," said Capt. James Pogue of the Marion County Sheriff's Office.
UCF police also reported an increase in motorcycle thefts and more fuel-efficient cars like Hondas.
With all this, people are reminded to lock it or lose it.
The following are links to current news stories about motorcycle theft in the State of Florida alone:
Three Southwest Florida Residents Sentenced in Separate Lee County Cases (2 motorcycle theft, 1 dump truck theft ring)
http://myfloridalegal.com/newsrel.ns...25743C004B6654
"Another South FL Stolen Bike"
http://www.r1-forum.com/forums/showt...+theft+thieves
"FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Several men accused of stealing motorcycles in South Florida have been arrested as the result of a yearlong investigation."
http://www.r1-forum.com/forums/showt...+theft+thieves
"my bike has been stolen....AGAIN"
http://www.r1-forum.com/forums/showt...+theft+thieves
"Unbelievable THEIVES!!! (Florida) Must Read!"
http://www.r1-forum.com/forums/showt...+theft+thieves
"Miami area Bike Thieves - THE WALL OF SHAME !!!"
http://www.r1-forum.com/forums/showt...+theft+thieves
"Bike Stolen while on Vacation........"
http://www.r1-forum.com/forums/showt...ourist+thieves
