BATH — Local police believe rising gasoline prices may be fueling a new crime wave. Ripple anyway.
Bath’s police and fire departments responded to call at 2:28 Thursday morning about a car fire at 667 Middle St.
The fire was directly below the fill pipe for the car’s gas tank. It was quickly put out with minimal damage to the car. Left at the scene, however, were two gas cans. Police say it’s unclear whether the fire was set deliberately or accidentally while someone attempted to siphon fuel from the vehicle’s gas tank.
Later Thursday morning, Bath police received another call from a neighbor reporting that he found a gas can, garden hose and latex gloves outside of his home.
Police believe the items were related to the earlier incident and that one or more people were trying to siphon gas from vehicles. Police are asking the public to be aware and report any similar suspicious activity.
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