MILLSBORO, Del.-Thieves are stealing diesel fuel from gas stations across Sussex County.
Delaware State Police said the thefts are costing owners thousands of dollars in lost business.
The latest theft happened Tuesday night at Uncle Willie's on Route 20 East in Millsboro.
"I can't even tell which pump they are doing it from," said manager, Karen Sanders,"I wish I knew because if I knew I'd know how to catch them."
The thefts have been happening since May 2012. Police said the thieves also got to a gas station in Frankford and Milton.
Sanders said the bold thieves stole gallons upon gallons of diesel fuel from the family owned gas station.
"They were doing it at night when we were closed so we started turning the breaker off on our pumps so that way they couldn't access the pump," Sanders explained,"however, they have gotten more brazen and they are now doing it during business hours when we are opened."
Police said that in some instances the thieves are using fake credit cards to target gas pumps that don't require them to punch in a zip code, then they pump diesel fuel into a gas container and sell it to truckers.
"This is a major kick. This really hurts. My employees all deserve a raise and they work very hard but I can't give them one now," Sanders said.
Not too far from Sanders is Robert Lawson's gas station. Lawson said that he's fortunate the thieves didn't get him but he is staying on high alert.
"Just staying very cautious of the fact that there are people out there to get fuel because they need it but they don't have the money and they will try almost anything to get it," Lawson said.
Police said the gas station in Frankford lost nearly $13,000 worth of diesel fuel.
Police do not have any suspects, as of yet but are asking people to be on the look out and alert them if they see anything suspicious.
