But some local gas station employees are expressing mixed feelings about the effectiveness of newly beefed-up legislation.
A bill, which was signed into law by Gov. Mike Easley on Aug. 13, will make the penalty for stealing gasoline from a commercial entity a class 1 misdemeanor.
The bill also includes a provision that allows the Division of Motor Vehicles to take away the driver's license of an offender for second and subsequent convictions.
This bill was initiated in February in response to the increase in the number of statewide drive-offs, said Sen. Kay Hagan, D-Guilford, who co-sponsored the bill along with 12 other state senators.
"With the rising price of gasoline (in Feb.), the gas owners noticed a large number of drive-offs," Hagan said.
"They felt this would be more of a threat if the punishment was higher."
Sen. Virginia Foxx, R-Watauga, who also co-sponsored the bill, said the law should effect the rate of drive-offs as the penalties are enforced.
"I hope that if they (steal gasoline), that some people will be prosecuted and (the case) will get publicity," Foxx said. "It, then, will act as a deterrent to stealing gasoline."
Despite the steady drop in gasoline prices, Hagan said the ongoing economic slowdown could result in an increase in gasoline theft for a separate reason.