Fleets warned of fuel thefts

Fleet operators and drivers are being warned to be on their guard against fuel thieves following a spate of crimes in which vehicles’ fuel tanks were drilled and emptied.

The increase in fuel theft from stationary vehicles is being blamed on the record price of petrol and diesel, which both now cost well in excess of £1.05 a litre.

According to Police, last month 20 cars parked up overnight in Oxfordshire, were targeted by thieves.

In addition to the lost fuel - which is untraceable and in high demand - the owners also had to pay an estimated £400 per car in repair costs.

Nobody has been arrested for the thefts, which Oxfordshire police blamed on organised criminals who knew what they were doing.

DC Clare Routledge of Oxford Police Car Crime Unit said that there was a likely link between the crimes and recent rises in fuel prices.

Our advice to fleets is to be on your look out for suspicious behaviour, she said, and always ensure vehicles are parked in well-lit areas with the fuel tank facing away from the street.

Although Oxford has seen a marked increase in fuel thefts from parked vehicles, the city is not the only place where such crimes have been reported.