Fuel theft 'going up'

As crime levels seem to be rising throughout the country, some opportunistic thieves are trying to cut back on their fuel expenses - by not paying at all.

It seems that cars drive in with their number plates covered, quickly fill up and then hit the road again. These attacks are becoming more frequent across the country, and increasingly harder to stamp out.

Police are warning motorists and stockists to be aware of such thefts, especially of diesel. If you see any suspiscious actions then report them to the garage owners and the police.

This particular type of theft seems to be rising quite dramatically, particularly in Northamptonshire.

The Northamptonshire Evening Telegraph reports that Northampton's weekly averages of petrol siphoning and filling station "drive off" offences stood respectively at two and 21 in the crime recording year 2007-08.

But earlier this year, the weekly average for petrol siphoning was four and the "drive off" figure was 36.

Last months, "drive offs" were up to 46, the local paper added.

High prices could lead to an increase of fuel thefts from commercial and domestic properties. Those who leave vehicles on their drive overnight could wake up the following morning to find their tank move from full to empty.

"Petrol is a very expensive commodity now, we've had reports of thieves breaking into people's sheds and stealing cans of petrol intended for use in lawnmowers just to get hold of it".

"As these crimes are on the rise, vehicle and home owners should take greater care in ensuring their property is adequately protected".

The Police have advised that those who store petrol in sheds or garages keep the cans well out of sight and hidden.

There have been 11 reports of such thefts since the start of June in Kettering, Corby, Wellingborough and East Northants, according to the paper.

Petrol stations may start hiring extra security and improving payment systems to stop thives from stealing their stock.

A spokeperson for a leading petrol supplier said, "It may seem ludicrous that we have to start hiring security to watch people as they fill up, but as these thefts seem to be getting more frequent its the only thing we can do".