The soaring price of gas has some drivers resorting to crime rather than pay for a fill-up.

Fuel theft, sometimes referred to as 'gas and dash' or 'drive-offs,' is a growing crime - in parts of York Region there's been a 70 per cent increase in such incidents over this time last year, and it's a similar story in Toronto.

"It appears that every time we have a rise in gas prices, we have a rise in incidents of theft," notes York Regional Police Const. Gary Phillips.

It's threatening to put independent gas bar owners such as George Eshoo out of business.

"It is (tough to make a living)," he nods, explaining that he's robbed "at least once a week."

In one case, bandits siphoned fuel from his tanks, located beneath the gas pumps.

"It was, we estimated, about $6,000 before we put more locks on the tanks. The gas, you don't make that much money, if you're lucky you make a couple of cents a litre," he said.

Another significant heist is being probed just south of Barrie - in that case a business lost $10,000 worth of diesel fuel.

Most such crimes happen at night, and police offer the following advice to gas station owners and attendants:

• Always maintain video surveillance equipment and change video tapes often. They do not last forever
• Ensure all video cameras have a clear view of all areas of the gas pumps
• Remove any signs or posters that might obstruct camera views
• During the evening hours, reduce the number of outside pumps by turning them off or block them off so all vehicles are forced to use the pumps in closer view and under better light
• If you observe any suspicious activity at the pumps where gasoline theft is suspected, record the licence plates and description of the driver and vehicle
• Contact police immediately
• Check company policy regarding having customers pay for their gasoline first to help reduce the amount of gasoline theft

As for motorists worried about being targeted by gas thieves, police suggest vehicle owners purchase a locking gas cap - it'll set you back about $15.

Gas prices have risen from under a buck a litre six months ago to more than $1.30 a litre. Some experts estimate that could increase to $1.50 a litre or more in the months to come.