A THIEF who broke into a car parked in Okehampton put the driver?s life in danger by making a hole in the petrol tank.
The red Peugeot 205 was parked in Mill Road car park when it was entered and a Kenwood CD player stolen.
The thief then forced the petrol cap and, having failed to get any fuel, punctured the tank.
PC Leigh Phippard, based at Okehampton, said he was ?very concerned about the dangerous element? of the incident.
?It presented a lot of danger to members of the public as the car was driven to the home of the owner with petrol pouring out. It only needed someone to ignite that for the petrol tank to explode,? he said.
?Whoever did this was either going to set fire to the car or steal petrol.?
The incident happened between mid-day on Monday and 10am on Tuesday. The fire service attended.
If anyone has any information regarding the crime they are asked to contact Okehampton police station quoting reference number JO03286.