SHREVEPORT, LA -- In the town of Shreveport, Louisiana, high fuel prices don’t seem to affect the decision-making process of gasoline thieves. 

Citgo clerk Grant Levert told the Shreveport Times gasoline thieves would steal fuel “no matter what price” customers are paying, adding that it's becoming more difficult to spot a potential thief. “It’s easy to stereotype. But it’s the people that look good that steal gas,” he said.

According to Shreveport police Cpl Bill Goodin, inadequate descriptions of vehicles and drivers make arrests difficult in cases of gasoline theft, and taking down a license plate number does not guarantee a thief will get caught. Levert also noted that drivers smear mud or tape paper across their licenses plates so store security cameras cannot pick up the numbers.

“Say we get a tag number and two or three days later an officer stops the car,” said Goodin, adding, “We still have to prove that the person operating that vehicle is the one that actually committed that crime.”

The “best way” for retailers to prevent gasoline theft is to make customers pre pay at the pump," noted Goodin “There’s not a whole lot of retail services where you get your merchandise first without paying for it."