[Harpo Speaks]

Yeah — if you’re young, you don’t realize that its because of the 70s gas crises that all cars now come with a locked gas hatch cover that can only be popped from inside the car as standard equipment.

Prior to the 70s, there was no locked hatch and no locking caps. When locking caps became popular in the 70s, they required a key, which was inconvenient.

So starting in the 80s cars started making hatches that could only be opened from inside the car. No extra key required.

[unixfox]

So starting in the 80s cars started making hatches that could only be opened from inside the car.

I've got a 2007 Cadillac CTS (not that I'll ever buy another GM product again in my life)that has no lock. Anybody could open it from the outside.

I guess they figure if you can afford a cadillac you can afford to have your gas stolen.

[FreeAtlanta]

How do we protect ourselves from the drilled out gas tank?

It is becoming more common. Someone should make do it yourself patches so that the whole tanks don't have to be replaced.