CLOVIS, Calif. — Staff at the Diamond Learning Center say frustration is mounting after someone broke into one of their vans and took gas right out of it.

The center tells us this isn’t the first time gas has been stolen. Staff say these thefts tend to spike whenever gas prices rise. Clovis Police confirmed they see the same trend, noting an increase in similar incidents when gas gets more expensive.

Surveillance video shows a man sneaking into the gated parking lot around 5 p.m. on Sunday, targeting a van used to transport students with special needs.

Isaac Jimenez, senior director at Diamond Learning Center, described what staff discovered, “Showed up this morning. One of the vans has been broken into oil all over the floor at first, that’s how we noticed. Gas cans were left behind, and someone had taken the gas.”

The footage shows the suspect rushing off with a large red gas container.

Jimenez said the thief never returned and left behind two other containers:

“He planned to take more than what he took because he had several containers with him,” he said.

Filling a van like the one targeted costs around $100 to $110, Jimenez said, noting the vans are large and serve about 190 students. But he emphasized the bigger impact is on the students themselves.

“We have to rearrange routes, so students get picked up in a timely manner, calling parents, and make sure they’re going to get picked up, but just at a later time. It also throws off the student for the day,” he said.

For students with special needs, routine is crucial.

Jimenez said, “It’s hard to get them back, like, to refocus okay, let’s go with our day, keep going, don’t worry about that stuff. You’re here now.”

Jimenez has a clear message for whoever is responsible, don’t come back.

You got away with it once you’re not going to get away with it again.

A report was made to Clovis Police.

They are asking anyone affected by this crime or who has information to call their department.

Police also reminded the public to take precautions: lock gas caps and, whenever possible, park in a garage or other secure area.