DECATUR, AL (WAFF) -
Gas prices have been on the rise over the last month, and with the storm in the Gulf gone many expected those prices to start coming back down.
That hasn't happened yet.
Gas prices are hitting customers where it hurts, in the pocketbook.
"Gas prices are extremely high and I have to burn supreme in this car," said customer Mary Legg.
Mary Legg pays for gas before she pumps it at Wavaho on Highway 31 in Decatur. Until recently, though, the station allowed customers to pump gas before paying.
The station's pumps didn't allow for payment by credit or debit card. That all changed when two customers drove off last week without paying for gas.
"After [the] drive off [I] just put up a sign that says prepaid no exceptions now," said Wavaho clerk Sireg Shaitch.
Six gas stations in Decatur and Athens have been hit by gas thieves. Not surprising, Shaitch said, considering the number of gas drive off's around the state are directly related to higher gas prices.
"Looks like they are hurting because of the prices are going up like every week," said Shaitch.
As for Mary Llegg, she said it's difficult enough to get a handle on higher gas prices and its even worse knowing thieves are sticking it to gas stations and consumers.
"They need to be arrested because everybody else has to pay for it, but I don't like jail that much. Its not worth it," she said.
Until gas prices come down to an affordable price, gas station owners say they haven't seen the last of gas drive off's.
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Gas prices have been on the rise over the last month, and with the storm in the Gulf gone many expected those prices to start coming back down.
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