Gas Stolen From HALO Animal Rescue Van, Hole Drilled In Fuel Tank

PHOENIX, AZ — Twice within a 10-day span, someone stole gas from a HALO Animal Rescue van in Phoenix, according to a social media post from the rescue.

During the most recent theft, on Wednesday night, the thieves caused $2,500 in damage to the van by drilling holes in it and breaking a mirror, the rescue said.

The damage delayed a trip HALO had planned to pick up 35 dogs in Mexico. While the rescue does have insurance, it has a high deductible, to HALO is asking for donations to help with the cost of repairs.

HALO, or Helping Animals Live On, is a private nonprofit founded in 1994 in Phoenix. It provides temporary shelter to abandoned cats and dogs until they find a forever home, according to its website.

Click here if you'd like to make a donation to HALO.

Gas thefts like the one perpetrated on the HALO van are on the rise across the country as gas prices skyrocketed over the past year, and especially within the past month, according to the Automobile Association of America.

The average cost of a gallon of gas in the city of Phoenix Friday was $4.67 per gallon, that's 4 cents cheaper than one week ago, but 82 cents more than one month ago and $1.58 more than one year ago, according to AAA statistics.