POST FALLS — Gas siphoning incidents come and go, police say.

Lately they’re coming more than going.

Post Falls Police is investigating a case in which three businesses in the industrial area between Highway 41 and the Walmart on Mullan Avenue were targeted early Tuesday morning.

Comfort Heating, River City Roofing and The Blind Guy were allegedly targeted by a man driving a white Toyota Camry with Washington plates around 1:30 a.m. Police are working on obtaining surveillance video of the alleged incidents.

"Typically what we see (with gas siphoning) are businesses that have trucks as part of their operation," said Post Falls Police Detective Neil Uhrig. "They're being targeted late at night or early in the morning when they are closed. Unfortunately, we see these periodically."

Uhrig said River City Roofing reported about 40 gallons of fuel being stolen. The suspect was unsuccessful stealing fuel from one of the other companies and it is unclear how much was taken from the third, he said.

Police said the video shows the suspect entering River City Roofing with a 5-gallon can before attempting to siphon gas from another business.

Uhrig said trucks are generally targeted over cars because many trucks don't have fuel doors that are unlocked from the inside like cars. Trucks also generally have more fuel in them.

"Trucks are usually a more lucrative venture," he said.

Uhrig said a suspect has not been identified.

"But we'll keep investigating this as we realize it can hamper and slow businesses when it happens," he said. "It can create a headache, so we definitely want to try to find the suspects."

Those with information are urged to contact Post Falls Police at 773-3517 or leave an anonymous tip at www.postfallspolice.com.

Kootenai County Sheriff's Office Detective Dennis Stinebaugh said his agency has had six reported incidents of gas siphoning since June in the Post Falls, Hayden, Coeur d'Alene and Kidd Island areas.