Wanted: Auburn gas thief suspect | Crime

AUBURN, CA - Police need the public's help to find a man suspected of drilling holes in gas tanks and stealing the fuel.

The suspect was caught on surveillance cameras with a drill and a plastic gas bin in the train station parking lot on Blocker Drive, Auburn police Sgt. V. Pecoraro said.

"This picture is depicting a guy who has been drilling and stealing gas," said Pecoraro.

Police said they got two reports of gas theft last week. On Thursday, a victim parked the car in the morning and returned around 6:25 p.m. to find the car vandalized. Another victim parked the car on Wednesday morning and returned Saturday morning to find gas stolen and the car vandalized.

"It's unnerving for me because this is the only place we're allowed to park as local commuters and our cars are here all day," said Billie Wilson.

FACEBOOK: Fans sound off about the gas theft

"Who knows how many times he fills it up or if he puts it into something bigger," said Sgt. Victor Pecoraro with Auburn Police. "We don't know if there's a vehicle associated with him or not. We hope the video from the other cameras will depict if there's a vehicle in the area."

Pecoraro said replacing the gas tank could cost $450 or more per vehicle.

"Times are tough, but you can't start stealing things," said commuter Mavin Anderson.

Anyone with information is urged to call Auburn police at 530-823-4234.