According to Gadsden Police Reports – a number of people are apparently now in the business of stealing propane, with several dozen tanks having been taken from area convenience stores and a couple of Dollar general stores.
Property Crimes Investigator Patrick Chumley told ABC33/40 that someone had been cutting the locks on the cages housing the tanks
Investigators say the thieves are keeping their thefts to misdemeanor amounts.
A new tank of propane costs, on average, $50 – meanwhile – a re-fill, or exchange for a new tank costs between $20 and $25.
Chumley said, in totaling the amount stolen, police can only count the trade-in value, and it takes $500 to be considered a felony.
(ABC 33/40/www.abc3340.com)