It is flammable, poisonous, and hard to carry, but that isn’t stopping criminals from trying to get their hands on this increasingly hot commodity. Gasoline. As prices at the pump continue to rise, so have the incidents of gas theft. For victims of this crime, not only is it inconvenient but it can be expensive as thieves are resorting the methods such as drilling through gas tanks to get their hands on the fuel. 

Here are four ways to help protect yourself from falling victim to gas theft. 

1. Light It Up. Although parking in the garage in the best plan, if you must park on the street try and do so under a street light. The more light that is illuminated on your car, the more likely the thief will move on to an easier target. 
2. Lock Your Tank. To deter a thief from easily siphoning gas from your tank, consider investing in a gas cap lock.  
3. Face The Road. When you park, do so with the gas door facing the road. Thieves are more likely to bypass a car that leaves them exposed to the eyes of those passing by.
4. Get A Ride. Airport parking lots are a haven for gas thieves. When traveling, get a ride to the airport to avoid leaving your car unattended in long term parking. 

As always, if you see suspicious activity please call the police. 

Rain, sun, snow, it must be Spring in Oregon.  Take advantage of these chilly, wet days  to dig into some spring cleaning. Before you start organizing closets and tackling the kid’s rooms, don’t forget to give some extra attention to the often overlooked items that work tirelessly to help us keep our homes clean all year long.

1. Washing Machine.  The soap residue, minerals, and chemicals from your detergent can get locked inside your washing machine and create a thin film that traps bacteria. These bacteria can clog the inner mechanisms, so your water doesn’t get as hot, and your detergent won’t be as strong. Not to mention they can create quite a stink after a while. Give your machine a monthly clean utilizing hot water and white vinegar to keep your clothes fresh and clean. 

2. Dishwasher.  Even if it is self-cleaning, food bits and detergent particles can clog up the drain and cause bacteria to build, ultimately diminishing the efficiency of your washer. Learn the best way to clean your washer here.

3. Sponges. You can only imagine what’s lurking in your kitchen sponge, right? That squishy square can house up to 300 types of bacteria that end up on your hands, countertops, and in your food. Although there are many ways to clean your sponge, the quickest is to pop it (make sure it’s wet) in the microwave for about a minute.

When you are ready to tackle the whole house, here is a checklist that can help keep you on track.  So get busy and when the sun does come out you can go outside and play.