Spike in Gas Prices Leads to Rising Thefts

A Bradenton man arrested last month on charges that he punched holes and siphoned gas from the tanks of three passenger vans used to transport children to a daycare center is now a suspect in other fuel thefts in Manatee County.

Roger T. Miley, 47, was arrested on burglary and criminal mischief charges this week. He also is being investigated in other fuel theft cases in the county, according to a report in the Bradenton Herald.

Surveillance video from D.C.'s Childcare Center on 14th Street West shows a man punching holes into a daycare van's gas tank, filling up gas cans and then driving off. Three vans were damaged, according to reports.

Dave Bristow, a spokesman for the Manatee County Sheriff's Office is quoted as saying anytime there is a spike in the price of gasoline, there is a rise in the number of thefts involving gas.