Gas theft occurrences have increased in tandem with surging gas prices in the U.S.
According to the American Automobile Association, U.S. gas prices are currently over $5 a gallon, which is prompting fuel thieves to put themselves in danger by drilling gas tanks of parked cars to steal gas.
To combat the crime, one motorist in California resorted to installing a Ring doorbell camera on their vehicle to catch a potential fuel thief in the act.
TikToker @outdoorsfishing1 posted a video showing their latest surveillance tactic, and wrote in the text overlay:
“With gas prices over $7 in California ain’t no mofo stealing my gas. [G]ot ring installed.”
While the video didn't reveal a groundbreaking solution to combat the crime, TikTokers weighed in with their observations.
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One of the drawbacks to attaching the Ring doorbell cam on a car instead of on its intended location at the front entrance to a home is that the security device relies on a Wi-Fi connection.
Unless the car is parked within range of the owner's Wi-Fi hotspot, the Ring is not ideal for use on cars, at least for now.
In September, the Amazon-owned company announced Ring would release a car camera designed to fit onto a car's dashboard or windshield.
The Ring's car cam would reportedly be able to record from inside and outside of the vehicle.
A support article posted on Ring's website stated that LTE would be required for the Emergency Crash Assist feature, which would contact a driver and call 911 if needed, whenever an accident was detected.
Due to the increase in gas theft in Southern California, the Fontana Police Department urged motorists to be on the lookout for potential gas thieves.
“The cost of damage to the gas tank far exceeds that of the gasoline," warned the FPD on their Facebook page.
They added:
"We recommend that you park your vehicle in a garage or well-lit and high-traveled area to help deter would-be thieves."
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