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Suspected Gas Thief Caught On Camera At 76 Station In Canoga Park

RESEDA (CBSLA.com) — Police are searching for a suspect who has stolen hundreds of gallons of gas from a 76 station in Canoga Park over the course of a month.

Security cameras captured the alleged culprit in action early Friday morning as the business on Vanowen Street and Winnetka Avenue was starting its day.

The station owner said the suspect pulled up in a new Ford pickup with a packed bed and no license plate.

Video showed the suspect open the lower compartment of the pump and activate it.

Then, according to the owner, the man pulled out a credit card as a cover. Within seconds, the suspect lifted a trap in the back and placed the hose in what's believed to be a canister.

The owner told KCAL9's Suraya Fadel that his station has been hit at least four times. The most recent attempt was Monday afternoon.

The owner said more than 700 gallons of gas has been stolen overall.

A Mobil station at Roscoe and Balboa in Reseda was recently hit twice in one month at a loss of $2,500.

The attendant, who did not want to reveal his identity, said the suspect in that incident was bold and struck in the evening hours.

Several gas station owners in the San Fernando Valley believe there's been a rash of thefts, Fadel reported.

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