As a single person, who loves this real estate business, I'm finding that the cost of fuel is part of my monthly budget and becoming a daily ritual. I'm always checking where I can find the best price and put in my hard earned money to get a bit more then a half of tank of gas. Filling up my tank is something that I "used to do"!! I always watch what I use and spend what I can and plan for the week. I always try and purchase the best price that I can put gasoline in the Jeep. I even took a part time job to cover the cost of gasoline that I use to show property to potential buyers, and for daily use; as we all do.
However, tonight, when I got out from my part time job, I jumped in my Jeep as usual, and started the engine, to my astonishment I noticed that I only had but a gallon or so in my tank. I had just put in $50.00 just the other day. I even remarked to myself.." Gee, this should last me through the rest of the week if I'm careful. I looked at my fuel guage and it was on "E"!!! While I was working, some siphoned all but a few gallons of gas from my car!! I was so angry!!! I mean I was really angry!! After all, I'm working extra time to make money to pay for my gas... why is someone stealing it from me!!! What a terrible feeling!!
I went to the nearest gas station and put in a few dollars of gas to get myself home, then called a friend and told them what happened. (After I poured myself a glass of wine!!) "Call the police and make a formal complaint" was their response. I did so immediately!! After all , it was a theft of more than $50.00 of my hard earned commission money and part time money!! When the officer arrived I told him that I was a realtor and how I had taken a part time job to help pay for the gas.... . He was very sympathic, and explained to me that it is becoming a very common problem in the area. "Siphoning Gasoline"!!!.... This is just horrible!! Someone stole something from me!!! Are we back in the 70's again????? I then asked him, with tongue in cheek, "What's going to happen when winter comes"? Are people going to steal heating fuel from homes that have their oil tanks outside of their homes?" I was curious to his response. He said, the local police are expecting it!! Can you imagine that? While we're sleeping, thieves in the night, will find sneak up to a home and siphon out the heating fuel oil!!!. He mentioned that homes that are more likely to be a target will be in an area where there's an abundance of summer homes which are closed for the winter and on automatic delivery will more than likely be targets for fuel theft!!! But then again, are we all at risk for our outdoor heating fuel tanks? Just the thought of someone sneaking into the yard and stealing fuel oil is beyond my imagination!! But I guess that's what we're to expect when the leaves begin to fall and the colder weather starts in.!!
All I know is that first thing Monday morning I'm getting a lock for my fuel tank on the Jeep !!!And I'll spread the word about the future theft of heating oil to my clients. If there's a way to put a lock on that then that's what has to be done...if that's at all possible!
I guess it's time to make sure everything.... home, care, oil tank and all are buttoned up safely to avoid being a victim to those who want what we have for free!!!!!
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