Attempted gasoline thefts rise with gas prices

Attempts to steal fuel have been increasing along with the rise in gas prices, according to the Olympia Police Department.

Olympia police reported on its Twitter account that an officer on area patrol caught two suspects stealing gas at a local church on Wednesday, April 6.

The suspects saw the officer and fled the scene on foot.

One suspect was immediately located and admitted to stealing fuel, then booked into the Olympia City Jail for theft and property damage.

The other suspect was also identified; charges against them have been referred to the prosecutor.

“As gas prices increase we are getting more reports of attempted theft of gas,” Olympia police said.

Last week, The JOLT reported that a Yakima man admitted to police that he was stealing gas from a truck rental in Olympia.