Minneapolis lifted trucks targeted in fuel theft scheme amid soaring gas prices: ‘thinking about getting cameras’

As gasoline prices remain elevated nationwide, Minneapolis-area truck owners are reporting a costly and destructive trend: Thieves drilling into fuel tanks on lifted pickup trucks to steal gas, leaving behind expensive repairs that often far exceed the value of the fuel taken.

Police and auto repair shops in the Twin Cities have recently seen an uptick in cases involving punctured fuel tanks, particularly on lifted trucks, which sit higher off the ground and expose portions of the undercarriage, including the gas tank. That added clearance can make the tanks easier to access from below without moving the vehicle.

In many of the reported incidents, thieves are believed to use power drills to bore into fuel tanks, draining gasoline directly into containers. Unlike older siphoning methods, which involved removing fuel through the gas cap opening, modern vehicles are designed with anti-siphon barriers.

Repairing a drilled gas tank is not a simple fix

In most cases, the entire fuel tank must be replaced, along with any contaminated fuel system components. Depending on the make and model of the truck, repairs can cost anywhere from several hundred to several thousand dollars and may leave owners without transportation for days or weeks.

Law enforcement agencies in the Minneapolis area have acknowledged the reports and are advising residents to park in well-lit areas and consider surveillance options. Investigators have not confirmed whether the incidents are connected or part of an organized operation, but they are treating the cases as intentional property crimes.

One Minneapolis-area victim, Jamie Phelps, described the financial and emotional toll of the damage in comments shared with local news outlet KSTP.

Phelps said thieves drilled holes in his truck’s fuel tank, leaving behind a repair bill that dwarfed the value of the stolen gasoline. In similar cases, victims have reported losing only a small amount of fuel while facing repair costs in the thousands.

“We’re thinking about getting cameras now, and that’s an added cost just to live in the house you’ve lived in for over 20 years,” Phelps said.

When tanks are drilled, fuel often continues to leak onto the pavement after the thieves leave, requiring Fire Department intervention for hazardous material cleanup.

The surge in fuel-related theft comes as national gasoline prices put pressure on households. While prices have eased from pandemic-era highs, they remain elevated compared to pre-2020 averages, with regional spikes often pushing costs higher in urban areas like Minneapolis.

Authorities say report suspicious activity

Authorities say they are encouraging residents to report suspicious activity around parked vehicles and to document damage quickly for insurance purposes. Comprehensive auto insurance policies may cover fuel tank damage in some cases, but deductibles and coverage limits vary widely.

In St. Paul, police have noted these thefts are concentrated in neighborhoods along the Mississippi River, the West End, and Central St. Paul.

For many truck owners, however, the emotional impact is just as significant as the financial one. As Phelps noted, the added security measures now feel like a necessity rather than a choice. As investigations continue, officials are warning that similar fuel theft methods could spread if gas prices remain high, echoing past national trends in catalytic converter theft and other vehicle-related crimes.