LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Las Vegas valley police and firefighters are warning people of a dangerous crime trend in the valley.
Authorities say people are using fake credit cards, duplicates of real cards, to buy hundreds of dollars of fuel in modified cars.
"When I say large, I'm talking about 100, 200, 300 gallons using multiple cards," Lt. Shane Womack, Financial and Cyber Crimes, said.
They then transfer the fuel to large storage containers or other cars before selling the gas to people for pennies on the dollar.
Deputy Fire Chief says the containers being used are not designed to store and transport gas, and can often leak.
— @SeanKTNV (@seanktnv) June 6, 2019
Vapors often escape and can ignite risking explosion. pic.twitter.com/HkpKDc3lwC
The containers used are not designed to store and transport gas and officials say they can leak. Vapors often escape and can ignite, risking explosion.
"This is something that could level a neighborhood, and cost people their lives," Womack said.
Fire crews have responded to fires directly related to this criminal act, authorities say. 25 people have been arrested to date in connection with this criminal enterprise and more are under investigation.
25 people have been arrested to date in connection with this criminal enterprise.
— @SeanKTNV (@seanktnv) June 6, 2019
More, Womack says, are under investigation. pic.twitter.com/mzuNdvmtPX
The announcement came in a briefing with Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Clark County Fire Department and the City of Las Vegas Fire Department.
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