Gas Wars Part Deux (well, it made me laugh)

Here's an interesting article from Slate Magazine on stealing gas and oil from pipelines:

In the first few months of 2004, Ukrainian police discovered more than 150 holes in the nation's oil distribution system. Oil crooks there and elsewhere can find an unguarded length of pipe and make their own tap. First they drill a hole most of the way through, and then they use a rubber mallet to crack open the pipe without making a spark. They insert a valve into the hole and then attach it to a tanker truck with a hose. The whole procedure takes about 20 minutes."

In the picture above you can see an actual gas thief making off with an actual, er, sock, full of stolen gas. Strike a light! Or not.

If that picture doesn't make you laugh out loud, see a doctor.