This doesn't surprise me in the least. In fact, one could have easily expected a rise in fuel or gasoline related thefts.
With the phenomenal increase in the price of gasoline, these types of crimes should become quite prevalent. Personally, I expect hi-jackings of entire tanker trucks of gasoline to be a regular item on News Reports soon.

What I did find interesting about your post was the report of thefts made at the pump level itself. This, in my opinion, is only the tip of the iceberg as far as fuel related crime goes. I wouldn't be surprised to find armed guards become a regular fixture at gas stations

[edit on 4/24/2008 by benevolent tyrant]

Agreed. When gas reach 5 dollars. People will get desperate and get gas my any means possible. The idea of armed security guards seem very plausible.