Gwent Police has issued a warning after an increase in fuel thefts from vehicles.
In the last two months, Gwent Police has received 26 reports of the theft of fuel across the two boroughs of Caerphilly and Blaenau Gwent.
Most of the thefts have been from lorries parked in lay-bys and industrial estates or cars parked along the side of the road. In particular, the A465 heads of the valley road has been used by criminals to travel and to target HGVs on or near it.
Blaenau Gwent Detective Inspector Matthew Sedgebeer said: “With the rising fuel prices and large scale developments in the area we are seeing an increase in volume of these types of crime. We would like to encourage people to take extra steps and to treat their fuel – whether it be stored in a container in a compound, on their farm or in their cars – as a valuable commodity and take steps to secure it.
“Stolen fuel is not only costly to replace, but the victim may incur additional costs due to missed deliveries and business disruption. It is also extremely dangerous. What is most worrying is some thieves are syphoning from the petrol tank of a lorry while the driver is sleeping in the cab. We are aware of hot spot areas and will be taking action against those caught stealing fuel.”
Gwent Police is giving the following advice to people storing fuel
- For cars: Always ensure you use the fuel locking system provided. For older cars, always use a lockable petrol cap. Use a garage or driveway if you have one or if not, try and park with your fuel filler in line of sight. If this is not possible, park under a light.
- For Heavy Goods Vehicles: Always ensure the tank is locked. If you have to leave your vehicle isolated or parked up for some time, try and leave a minimum of fuel in the vehicle. When parking up overnight and sleeping in your HGV, try and ensure the fuel tank is in view of the road to deter offenders. Also, make sure you park in a well-lit and not secluded area when parking your vehicles. A lot of victims are parking their vehicles in dark lay-bys or in industrial estates and are therefore making themselves easy targets.
- For those in business who have fuel tanks: Check your locking systems are in good working order. Good quality locks are far better than cheaper versions. Encourage your staff to regularly check tanks. Ensure good lighting is in place.
- For residents with oil tanks for storage of heating oil: Invest in good quality locks and ensure good lighting is in place.