(June 11, 2008)

ALICE--Area law officers say it's another result of outrageously high gas prices. More and more are driving off from gas stations without paying. However, the City of Alice decided to do something about it, passing an ordinance aimed at reducing that crime and it's apparently working.

Officers said gas drive-offs were keeping them busy in the small town of Alice, but once leaders passed this new law, this problem has gone away completely.

Gas is approaching nearly $4 a gallon in Alice. Just a few months ago, police said they were averaging 30 to 35 gas drive offs a month. It's something most folks just don't understand.

"It's not honest," said Tony Reyna, an Alice resident. "If you get something, you should pay for it. If you don't have it, don't buy it."

"It's one reason they increase prices cause gas stations don't have a thing off the sale of the gas," said Dave Holmgreen, an Alice resident. 

Officers said aking these reports took them away from their other law enforcement duties. So city leaders decided to pass a new ordinance to stop these thefts. It made customers prepay for their gas. If they didn't, then the clerk would get in trouble.

"If they leave without paying, then the person who is behind the counter who authorized that use of the pump will be responsible for the violation of the ordinance," said Danny Bueno, who is the Alice Police Chief. 

Ever since the ordinance was passed in February, police commanders report they've seen a dramatic change in the number of gas drive offs.

"We've had zero reports filed in regards to this type of theft going on," Chief Bueno said. "We were having a big problem in the past. This really has helped us out."

The chief said this new law allows them to spend more time keeping the streets safe. He recommends other cities and counties should do this, if they're having problems with gas drive offs.

--Manuel De La Rosa, Area 3 News, mdelarosa@kiiitv.com