Downsville Gas Station Suffers From Gas Thefts
By: Import User
Updated: July 15, 2008
Small town gas stations are feeling the pain at the pump just as much as you They are losing money because some people are leaving without paying.
It seems every week we show you a new way high gas prices are affecting the world we live in. Now well tell you how small town gas stations that once operated on the honor system are making changes to keep themselves from going under.
The days when gas stations operated on the honor system are a thing of the past. Especially when they have to deal with desperate drivers taking off with their precious merchandise
Remember the good old days when you could pump your gas then go inside to pay? Randy Devereux manages a Downsville gas station. He says those days are long gone.
"Weve gone strictly to pre-pay. Its a sad day when you cant trust your neighbors and friends anymore, but thats what its come down to strictly because of the price of gas."
Devereux says theyve recently tightened the reigns at the pump of The Family Store. They have lost hundreds on stolen gas in the past month- people driving off without paying. Its not only hurting business, Devereux says hes feeling the pressure too.
“I had a person drive off with $35 of gas while I was out working.” He says, "That cost me a little over $35 out of a pay check."
Just three miles down from The Family Store is Duallys Kwik Stop. The owner, Susan Keenan, says she hasnt had a problem with drive-offs and still works on the honor system, but that could soon change.
“Im probably one of the last places that has pre-pay, but I will end up resorting to that."
She says that’s because gas prices are causing normally trustworthy people to take desperate measures just to get by. "Rising prices and of course nobodys getting raises and theyre resorting to other things."
Things Keenan says she never thought shed see in this rural Louisiana town.
Devereux tells us his regular customers arent happy with the change, but they realize its necessary for the business to stay alive.
(Copyright 2008, NBC 10/Fox 14 News)
