COLUMBUS, OH - While most retailers today mandate that cash customers prepay for their fuel, those who don??t are seeing a spike in theft. In Columbus, Ohio, the NBC affiliate reports that area stations are experiencing an increase of people driving off without paying for their fuel.

"There may be a little bit of a trend to go up when the gas is this high. You know we have had thefts for decades involving fuel," said Chief Deputy Al Hayden of the Marion County Sheriff's office.

Over the past two weeks, several Columbus gas stations have been hit with gas drive-offs, with at least one reporting seven thefts, and three in one day.

Jeff Lenard, NACS spokesman, was asked to explain the trend, explaining that many Midwest stations rely on the honor system instead of requiring gasoline prepayment, and that they are being hardest hit.

"When someone peels out with $50 worth of gas, let alone a half a dozen times or more, it's a huge impact on their business. And you are just punishing the local guy," Lenard said.

One Columbus station, the Marion Duke and Duchess, has lost $400 to drive-offs, and it has now installed cameras focused on license plates

Lenard said consumers should report motorists who drive off without paying, since the cost of theft is a cost that law-abiding consumers also pay.

"The country is faced with $4 gas. It just has to go that much higher in price because people are stealing it. That's money that is passed on," Lenard said. "You and I are paying, the honest customers, because people want to steal and that's a shame."