High pump prices fueling unique gas crimes

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Gas thieves targeting Central Florida rental trucks and even hacking station pumps are the latest examples of a growing problem sparked by record fuel prices, according to officers.

Wednesday, Orlando police said thieves are targeting a U-Haul company.

Gas was siphoned out of trucks in the 100 block of Suddath Drive.

Investigators said 80 gallons of gas were taken sometime between Friday night and Monday morning.

Officers admit, with the price of gas, this is a growing problem, Local 6's Erick Webber reported.

Retail gasoline hit another record high this week. The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline rose to $3.533, up more than two cents from the previous day's price of $3.511, according to auto group AAA.

Some analysts expect it to approach $4 a gallon this summer, when demand is at a peak.

Device Used To 'Hack' Pumps

Meanwhile, police are investigating an organized theft ring that used a never-before-seen device to hack gas station pumps and steal unlimited amounts of gasoline in Casselberry last week.

At least five cars filled with members of the alleged gas-pump hackers were spotted bypassing pumps at a Hess station located on 17-92 in Casselberry late Monday.