Safety and Security: Are You Staying Ahead of the Game?

by Rich Morahan, Richard Morahan Associates

Are recent propane thefts unrelated low-level crimes, or something more sinister?

In the world of propane, expect the unexpected.

Nine people were arrested for allegedly stealing over 200 propane tanks in San Bernardino County, on May 1, 2025, according to KTLA-Los Angeles, CA. The two hundred propane tanks were recovered along with guns and stolen vehicles after raids took place at four locations in the Victor Valley and Lancaster areas of San Bernadino County, CA. The ring was apparently involved in the theft of 100 tanks at the end of March. The entire operation remains under investigation. This heist looks like your typical low-level crime, but the question arises: is this more than just theft? Consider this National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) report in February regarding another incident.

“Recently several manufacturers and distributers have experienced product thefts or diversions. In one recent case a truckload of propane cylinders was ordered. The theft initiated with a credit application from an established company in one state and the cylinders were to be delivered to a remote area of a distant state. The credit application was
approved and delivery scheduled. 

Thankfully, a vigilant third-party transporter was hired to ship the product and, based on a previous theft experience in the same area that resulted in lack of payment for materials and delivery, the transporter warned the manufacturer. This resulted in a stop sale, notification of local authorities, and an internal investigation.”

There may be nothing there, in either incident, but the NPGA posting raises some important issues. As the NPGA goes on to say: “Large thefts of product have the potential to impact the supply chain, be utilized for more nefarious acts including smuggling or terrorism, or be part of international crime rings. Actual inappropriate purchases which are less likely to raise red flags have the potential of similar consequences.”

Are we seeing a renewed interest in stealing tanks for meth manufacture, is there a new black market in retail propane tanks, or is another game in play? We cannot be sure, but it is important to stay alert for unusual events, particularly those with potentially serious consequences. It is never wise to be complacent.

Any industry can be a criminal target, but the volatile nature of propane raises the stakes. The concept of “The Black Swan” scenario describes a highly unlikely event that can have disastrous consequences. Criminal or terrorist activity with propane, while unusual, involves much more than money or property.

Take Advantage of Industry Education Resources

The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) is an industry-funded nonprofit organization that provides leading propane safety and training programs and invests in research and development of new propane-powered technologies. Operated and funded by the propane industry, it conducts research on a wide range of topics and provides marketing materials, brochures and support material for propane suppliers and consumers.

Eric Kuster, Vice President, Safety, Education, Compliance of PERC, emphasizes the role of education in promoting propane’s admirable safety history, but even with all the proven and new technology and communication tools, it is always necessary to protect the public from itself, especially do-it-yourselfers who might want to hook up a line or make an installation. Rapid response to customer requests and frequent communication are part of full service to customers. Empty tanks need fast removal, or at least secure shutdown with a POLock or Fill Valve lock, not just a tag or seal. Sometimes, even what looks like adequate customer warnings will not pass the legal test.

Never Underestimate Your Need to Anticipate Customer Ignorance

In a recent court case summarized in the April 17, 2025 issue of LPGas magazine, a court considered that warning notices were not adequate because they were inside the dome of a propane tank. A customer would have had to climb a ladder to read a set of warning labels.

“[The tank manufacturer] included specific warnings on its propane tank identifying the phenomenon of odorant fade in propane tanks, particularly in new tanks, and advising all who read the warning of this phenomenon and the steps to take in order to mitigate the risk of odor fade.” Because reading the warning took a little effort, the judge denied summary judgment and sent the case to a jury. It appears that an operator can follow rules and regulations, but once a disaster gets into the court system, anything can happen.

Harden Potential Targets When You Store Propane Tanks

With propane tank cages costing upwards of $1,000 and exchange tanks going from $25 to $50, it does not make sense to secure the cages and their cargo with a padlock, or even a retail disk lock. Nearly every reported multiple exchange tank theft notes a broken padlock. It is a sensible investment to secure a cage with a hockey puck style lock that fits in a collar.

Criminal enterprises and risks in general come at you from changing and unforeseen directions. There are valuable resources to help you protect your business, and there are plenty of tried and true security measures available, but it is essential to keep your eyes on the horizon. Scrutinize unusual orders, do not settle for cheap security devices, and keep your warnings and brochures up to date. And it might help to search “propane theft” or “propane liability judgments” every week or so. You never know what the criminal mind or the legal system will come up with next.

Rich Morahan writes frequently about security and marketing for a number of industries, including petroleum and pro-pane distribution, information management, and self-storage. You can contact him at 617-240-0372 or rmwriteg@gmail.com, or visit www.rmorahan.com.

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