(CNN) With the nationwide average price of gasoline hitting $5 a gallon, and prices expected to continue to rise, thefts of gasoline are being reported across the country, and according to police, it's not just a few gallons being siphoned from vehicles. Now, thieves are pumping thousands of dollars' worth of fuel from gas stations and selling it on the black market, according to authorities. Two men were arrested in connection with the theft of thousands of dollars' worth of gasoline from a Virginia Beach Citgo gas station, according to the Virginia Beach Police Department. Officers began investigating after they noticed an unusual number of people pumping gas and congregating at the Citgo, which was closed at the time, a news release stated. The officers discovered the use of devices to illegally obtain gas from the pumps and individuals selling the gas at a cheaper price, the release stated.

Source: CNN June 18, 2022 02:10 UTC