Thieves Drill Holes in Gas Tanks to Steal Fuel in Long Beach

Brazen new tactic exposes California drivers to costly damage and theft amid high gas prices

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:24pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a drilled gas tank, the circular hole and surrounding gasoline stain captured in stark detail against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the nefarious methods used by thieves to steal fuel from vehicles.A brazen new tactic by fuel thieves leaves California drivers vulnerable to costly damage and theft amid record-high gas prices.Long Beach Today

Thieves in Long Beach, California have been targeting drivers by drilling holes in their gas tanks to steal fuel, leaving victims with expensive repair bills and the hassle of dealing with the aftermath. Residents Jacalyn Villalobos-Becerra and Jose Figueroa both reported incidents where their gas tanks were drilled into, causing gasoline to spill out and thousands of dollars in damage.

Why it matters

This new tactic by fuel thieves highlights the struggles Californians are facing with record-high gas prices, as criminals look to take advantage of the situation. The damage caused by drilling into gas tanks can be very costly for victims, on top of the stolen fuel, and raises concerns about public safety and property crime in the Long Beach area.

The details

In separate incidents, Villalobos-Becerra and Figueroa discovered holes had been drilled into the gas tanks of their vehicles, causing gasoline to pour out. Villalobos-Becerra said she heard a loud noise under her car and found the hole, while Figueroa heard what sounded like a "faucet running" when he went to fill up. Repairing a drilled gas tank can cost over $1,500, in addition to the value of the stolen fuel, which can amount to hundreds of dollars for a full tank.

  • On March 31, Villalobos-Becerra discovered the hole in her gas tank.
  • This week, Figueroa had his gas tank drilled and drained on Monday morning.

The players

Jacalyn Villalobos-Becerra

A Long Beach resident who had her gas tank drilled into, causing her vehicle to leak gasoline.

Jose Figueroa

Another Long Beach driver who had his gas tank drilled and drained, costing him around $1,000 in repairs.

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What they’re saying

“I put my things in the car and closed the door and as soon as it shut, I heard something under my car. It was loud. I backed away because I thought it was a raccoon or skunk since they are common in the area. I flash my light and just see gasoline pouring out.”

— Jacalyn Villalobos-Becerra

“Yes sir, they drained all my gasoline Monday morning.”

— Jose Figueroa

“I look down and there was gasoline all over.”

— Jose Figueroa

What’s next

The Long Beach Police Department is investigating the incidents and urging residents to be vigilant about protecting their vehicles from this new tactic by fuel thieves.

The takeaway

This brazen new method of stealing gas highlights the lengths criminals will go to take advantage of high fuel prices in California, leaving victims with costly damage and the hassle of dealing with the aftermath. It underscores the need for increased public awareness and security measures to protect against this type of property crime.