Officer Chris Rankin

Public Information Officer

903-798-3187 (office) 903-260-0294 (pager)

903-824-4199 (cell) 903-798-3023 (fax)

Texarkana Arkansas Police Badge

Re: Gas Thefts

From the date of 7/29/05 thru 08/26/05 the TAPD has responded to 37 separate incidents of gas theft. These thefts have occurred at all times of the day and with no apparent pattern. The thefts have occurred at virtually every station in all areas of town. These crimes have put a heavy burden on local gas stations, with losses in some cases totalling thousands of dollars a year. Increased patrol of gas stations is being conducted by officers and all calls of violations will be answered and investigated by officers. Officers in the State of Arkansas are equipped to take action against violators in these cases.

Recenty, Arkansas officers were given legal authority to make a warrantless arrest for theft of motor fuel. In other words, the theft does not have to occur in the officer's presence. If a good description of the suspect vehicle and driver is given, an officer may make an arrest if the suspect is located within a certain period of time. Gasoline thefts fall under the category of "theft of motor fuel". This statute is a class A misdemeanor and is punishable by a fine of up to $1000 and 1 year in jail. In addition to these penalties, the suspect's drivers license can be suspended for up to 6 months.

If a prior conviction exists against the suspect for theft of motor fuel the suspension may be extended for 1year.

Thank you and you can visit the Texarkana Arkansas Police Department online at http://www.txkusa.org/arkpolice.