Diesel fuel theft

The number of incidents of theft of fuel from vehicles has doubled since the beginning of the year, it was revealed today.

"We are urging drivers to be more vigilant to both protect their own fuel stock and also report anyone who is trying to make money by selling on stolen petrol." The RAC offered motorists the following tips to help reduce fuel thefts:

1. Park in well lit and preferably off-road areas whenever possible - fuel thieves don't want to be seen
2. Ensure your fuel cap is locked and secure
3. Don't encourage fuel theft - if you are offered fuel you think could have been siphoned from another vehicle, call the police. Apart from it being illegal, the fuel could be contaminated, causing damage to your vehicle's fuel system - some companies place dyes and covert marking into fuels, so you could be tracked
4. Check fuel levels when you switch off your engine and check again before you use your car again - if the level is suspiciously lower than expected, look around the vehicle for signs of theft prior to turning the key
5. If you smell fuel when returning to your vehicle, or see a puddle of liquid, keep away from the car, and don't turn on the ignition. Call your breakdown organisation, and whatever you do, don't light a cigarette whilst you're waiting!

Diesel theft:

Meanwhile, West Yorkshire Police has reported a 265% increase in diesel theft. They advised hauliers to tighten up security of their storage tanks, vehicles and commercial compounds and urged the public to be vigilant and report anyone who offered them cheap diesel.

Officers said a wagon depot in Skelmanthorpe, Huddersfield, had lost thousands of pounds of fuel over the last 12 months, most recently being targeted by someone entering the compound and siphoning diesel. Kirklees Crime Reduction Officer Dave Whitteron said: "Although the police do everything they can to catch the culprits, we need the help of hauliers and motorists to prevent it from occurring." He recommended that owners of commercial compounds installed CCTV, security lighting and alarm systems, examined and secured fencing, and locked access gates out-of-hours.

Vehicles left in compounds should be fitted with lockable fuel caps and drivers should park hard up against a fence or wall to prevent easy access to the fuel cap for thieves, the officer said.