String of gas thefts reported in Post Falls

POST FALLS — Mandi Budvarson said the amount of gas in her car didn't add up Tuesday.

It was nearly on empty after she just filled up two days before.

Budvarson was among the victims of a string of gas thefts in Post Falls that likely occurred late Sunday night or early Monday morning.

Budvarson, who lives on 23rd Avenue, discovered she had been targeted when she was approached by a reporter asking if her car's gas had been siphoned.

"Sure enough, it was nearly empty after I had just filled my tank two days before," she said. "My husband thinks they probably stuck a plastic hose in the tank and sucked on it to make the gas flow into a portable can."

Budvarson said the crime was surprising considering she lives on a corner lot that can be seen from different angles.

"People drive by our place all the time," she said.

Police are investigating a string of at least seven gas thefts from vehicles.

Most of the incidents occurred in the 300 blocks of West 22nd and 23rd avenues. The other was on Boulder Court.

"We have no suspects at this time; no one saw anyone," Post Falls Police Capt. Greg McLean said. "It appears that this was a one-night string."

In all but one of the incidents the gas was siphoned from tanks.

The gas line on a Penske truck was cut in the Boulder Court incident. The vehicle was parked outside the gate of a storage facility.

McLean said the total estimated loss in gas in all of the vehicles is about $100.

Another victim on 23rd Avenue had fuel siphoned from three vehicles. He told police he would buy locking gas caps to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The other victims discovered the gas thefts when they noticed the gas lids were open and fuel had spilled under the vehicles.

In one of the cases on 22nd, a small section of hose was found under the vehicle.

Those with information are encouraged to contact Post Falls Police at 773-3517 or leave a tip at www.postfallspolice.com.