A recent attempted gas theft at the East Bay BART parking lot led to a fire that destroyed six vehicles and left several others damaged. The incident took place in the early hours of the morning, and authorities believe that the culprits used a cordless reciprocating saw to cut through the gas tank of a parked vehicle.
According to reports, the theft and subsequent fire occurred at around 2:30 AM on May 12th, 2023, at the BART parking lot located at 200 Marina Boulevard in San Leandro, California. The suspects fled the scene before the police arrived, and no injuries were reported.
The East Bay Regional Parks District Fire Department was the first to respond to the scene, and firefighters were able to extinguish the flames before they spread further. However, six vehicles were already engulfed in flames, and several others sustained damage from the heat.
BART officials have condemned the incident and have assured the public that they are working with law enforcement to identify and apprehend the culprits. They have also reminded the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
The incident is the latest in a series of similar thefts that have occurred in the East Bay area. In recent months, there has been a rise in gas thefts from parked vehicles, with the thieves using a variety of tools to siphon off gas or cut into gas tanks. The trend has led to increased concern among vehicle owners and law enforcement agencies.
In response to the trend, authorities have advised vehicle owners to take measures to protect their cars, such as parking in well-lit areas, using anti-siphoning devices, and installing security cameras. They have also urged the public to report any suspicious activity immediately to the authorities.
The incident at the East Bay BART parking lot serves as a reminder of the need for heightened vigilance and caution, particularly in the face of rising crime rates in the region. Authorities have emphasized the importance of working together to combat crime and protect the community, and have called on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately.