A Blaine family says thieves drilled into this pickup truck’s gas tank overnight and drained a full tank of fuel near Bayview Drive. (Courtesy: Maddy Kerr)
By BRIAN HENDERSON · May 28, 2026 · PNW Daily
BLAINE, Wash. — Blaine residents are warning neighbors to stay alert after thieves reportedly drilled into a pickup truck’s gas tank overnight and drained an entire tank of fuel near Bayview Drive.
Maddy Kerr said thieves targeted her son’s truck sometime overnight near Bayview Avenue, up the street from Domino’s in Blaine. Photos shared with PNW Daily show a hole punched into the bottom of the gas tank and a container beneath the truck catching leaking fuel.
The theft left Kerr’s son without transportation and added repair costs on top of the stolen gasoline.
A hole drilled into the bottom of the gas tank of a Blaine resident’s pickup truck. Thieves used the method to drain a full tank of fuel overnight. (Photo courtesy: Maddy Kerr)
“
Some lowlife drilled a hole in the gas tank of my son’s truck last night and drained a full tank of gas.
— Maddy Kerr, Blaine resident
Blaine Police Investigating Two Drilled Gas Tanks
The incident happened in a residential neighborhood near Bayview Avenue just past Domino’s. Neighbors are now urging residents to watch for suspicious activity, especially overnight.
Kerr said the truck sat just outside the range of home security cameras, leaving the family without suspect images.
Kerr also said Blaine Police told the family officers recently received another report involving a drilled gas tank and stolen fuel in the area.
The pickup truck targeted by fuel thieves near Bayview Avenue in Blaine. The vehicle sat outside the range of nearby security cameras. (Photo courtesy: Maddy Kerr)
Fuel thieves often leave vehicle owners with expensive repairs because punctured gas tanks frequently require replacement.
Anyone with information about suspicious activity in the area should contact the Blaine Police Department at (360) 332-6769 or police@cityofblaine.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do thieves steal gas by drilling into a gas tank?
Fuel thieves use a drill to punch a hole into the bottom of a vehicle’s gas tank, then place a container beneath the vehicle to collect the draining fuel. The method allows thieves to steal an entire tank of gas quickly. Unfortunately, it also leaves the vehicle owner with a damaged tank that frequently requires full replacement.
Has this happened before in Blaine?
Yes. According to the Kerr family, Blaine Police told them officers recently received at least one other report of a drilled gas tank and stolen fuel in the area. Neighbors are urging residents to watch for suspicious activity, particularly overnight.
How can I protect my vehicle from fuel theft in Blaine?
Make sure security cameras cover your vehicle and park in well-lit areas or inside a garage when possible. Report any suspicious activity overnight to Blaine Police at (360) 332-6769. If you notice a strong smell of gasoline near your parked vehicle, check underneath for signs of tampering.
Who should I contact if I have information about the Blaine fuel theft?
Contact the Blaine Police Department at (360) 332-6769 or by email at police@cityofblaine.com.