[hoosierboy]

Instead of thinking this was done by some terrorists intending to use them to blow things up, does anyone think that maybe someone just was a thief and stole gas tanks for the thought of stealing gas tanks.

[Columbus Dawg]

That is very possible. However, it is wise to do what Columbus Police has done in a case like this.

[JoeSixPack1]

...does anyone think that maybe someone just was a thief and stole gas tanks for the thought of stealing gas tanks.

Yes. They'll sell easy. And they won't even have to discount them.

[Camerican]

My sentiments exactly. If Al Queda can afford to spend $500,000 to take down the WTC, it can surely afford to spend $500 on propane tanks at the local Home Depot.

[Mo1]

Instead of thinking this was done by some terrorists intending to use them to blow things up, does anyone think that maybe someone just was a thief and stole gas tanks for the thought of stealing gas tanks

With the high cost of heating this winter .. that is a good possibility

[elmer fudd]

That's exactly what I was thinking. Terrorists don't have to resort to stealing propane tanks. They can buy or smuggle in far more lethal stuff than that.

[Chemist_Geek]

Instead of thinking this was done by some terrorists intending to use them to blow things up, does anyone think that maybe someone just was a thief and stole gas tanks for the thought of stealing gas tanks.

Well, as far as terrorists go, it'd be wise to consider that aspect in the investigation. You're correct - when one hears hoofbeats, think horses not zebras. But when one considers the damage a herd of zebras - terrorists in this allegory - could cause...

However, the bigoted attempt to pin this theft on a Muslim is just sadly pathetic.

[MPJackal]

"does anyone think that maybe someone just was a thief and stole gas tanks for the thought of stealing gas tanks."

You may be right. The resale value would be about $600. I would put my money on the gas being stolen for heat. Winter is around the corner and 5 X 30 is 150 Gallons. That would provide heat for a small place for a couple of months. I would recommend the police keep this as a high priority just in case though.

[Panzerlied]

Occam's Razor led me to the same conclusion.

Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar!

[angkor]

a thief and stole gas tanks for the thought of stealing gas tanks.

A 20 lb. propane tank costs about $30.00. So 30 tanks would yield $900.00 retail, maybe $450.00 if they fence them, less the cost of the truck. Say $400 tops.

I don't see how the economics are justified by the risk.

[Marie]

does anyone think that maybe someone just was a thief and stole gas tanks for the thought of stealing gas tanks.

There's also the fact that it's winter. It's freaking cold and propane heat is expensive. Maybe someone was just stealing for cheap heat.

[stockpirate]

I believe the gas in the tanks has a vapor density greater than air. So, if you open all the tanks and disperse the gas it will go into lower areas, sewers, along the street etc. Then all one needs to do is to provide an source of ignition, and you will have a huge explosion. Like a Fuel air bomb. This is very,very dangerous.