(05/04/06) EDISON ? The skyrocketing price of gas in New Jersey has some residents heading to the pawnshop before the gas station.

More and more motorists are pawning their valuables in order to fill up their tank for a week. Since gas prices increased sharply, pawnshop owners say they?ve seen business improve by 25 percent. Many residents say if gas prices continue to rise, more and more people will be forced to choose between heirlooms and fuel.

Pawnshop owners say many people come back to reclaim their items and pay back the loan. However, others sell their belongings outright.

Related information: News 12 New Jersey Gas Gauge