Grease rustlers. Hippies wanting free biofuel or organized crime?

Restaurant grease is highly prized, because it can be used to create biofuel. Businesses that used to charge to pick up grease sometimes now pay for it instead – if it’s still there and hasn’t been stolen by grease rustlers, that is.

“You can pull in and drive off in five minutes. It can be $500 a night, $2,500 a week,” said Carrillo-Miranda, 37, a beefy man in a black T-shirt and jean shorts. “Even if your truck gets impounded, that’s $500. You’re still ahead $2,000 for the week.”

Interestingly, many legit grease haulers say they got started by stealing grease. There is a technology war going on too. Storage barrels are getting harder to break into, locks are stronger, and video cameras can record thefts.