Iowa City police aim to stop gas drive-offs

Iowa City police are tired of people driving away from gas pumps and not paying for filling-up.  Sergeant Denise Brotherton said police have responded to 39 reports of gasoline theft in 2011.

“It's a preventable crime,” Brotherton said.  “It's something we can stop.”

This week police sent a letter to area gas stations asking them to stop allowing drivers to fill up their tanks before paying.  Brotherton said the goal of the letter is to make Iowa City a “pre-pay/pay-at-the-pump” community.

Brotherton points to success with a similar program implemented by Cedar Rapids police in 2008.  Both programs urge gas stations to comply, but do not order them to.

Driving off without paying for gas can result in the suspension of a drivers license.