Police are warning residents to check the security of their vehicle petrol tanks after a spate of fuel thefts in the Caerphilly and Bedwas areas.
Since March 1, Gwent Police has received 33 reports of fuel theft and attempted fuel theft where a fuel cap has been removed
Vehicles have been targeted in Bedwas, Bron Rhiw in Machen, William Street in Trethomas, Lower Graig Y Rhacca and Pantglas Industrial Estate. In the Caerphilly town area they include Beechgrove, Tonyfelin, St Julian’s Court, St Martins, Bedwas Road, Carmarthen Court in Hendredenny.
Inspector Gareth Jones, from the Caerphilly Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “There are three ways petrol and diesel are normally stolen from vehicles’ fuel tanks – It can be siphoned out or fuel lines underneath the tank can be cut. Even more worrying, thieves will drill into tanks to get to the fuel.
“Once they have taken the fuel away you’re still left with a problem because there could be fuel under the car and you could be left with a very dangerous situation, turning on the ignition or dropping a cigarette stub onto the ground next to the car could have disastrous consequences.
“I want to remind residents to always 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.”
If you have any information on these incidents or witness any suspicious activity, please call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.