BEAR CREEK - Bear Creek Police are issuing a stern warning to people who may leave vehicles unattended in larger parking areas such as churches, manufacturing facilities or schools, since there has been a rash of theft of gasoline from vehicles in the area.
Police Chief Kenny Hallmark stated that thieves recently struck at a Bear Creek church and drained the gasoline from the church van. Police responded to the scene finding a concrete nail underneath the van, as well as a hole in the gas tank, the chief explained.
“They are climbing underneath the car, knocking holes in the gas tank and stealing the gas,” Hallmark reported
Areas in neighboring Franklin County, the chief added, have taken a hard hit with similar thefts, with at least 30 vehicles being hit at schools, churches and the Alabama Department of Transportation office, where vehicles had catalytic converters removed, police said.
These incidents have created a high alert for those in the Bear Creek area, Hallmark said.
“It’s a very big problem right now,” Hallmark stated.
See complete story in the Northwest Alabamian.
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