Leader comment

The tragic death of a woman targeted by fuel thieves has thrust the latest crime phenomenon into the public eye and police have today reported that the number of thefts of fuel from domestic tanks in the region has spiralled.

It follows the death of Rosemary Dove, 68, who collapsed while she was phoning police after spotting a man taking red diesel from her farm in Bishop Middleham, near Sedgefield.

Farmers' leaders said there had been a sharp increase in the theft of agricultural fuel.

Mrs Dove's son, Michael, was hit by the thief's truck during the incident and is now in hospital, although his injuries are not thought to be life threatening .

Elsewhere, drivers are having to spend more of their hard-earned cash at the filling station. And as well as leaving motorists feeling short-changed, the price of petrol is having a nasty knock-on effect: crime.

Police in Wrexham, Flintshire and Chester say soaring petrol prices are fuelling the rise of a new breed of thief – the "gas guzzler".

They are not talking about the large 4x4s that are a familiar sight on the roads, but a new generation of criminal intent on targeting the petrol tanks of cars, lorries and other machinery.

In some cases, criminals are even setting their sights on homes that use oil to fire central-heating systems.

Police say petrol is now such a valuable commodity that it is an obvious target for thieves.

According to North Wales Police, thefts of petrol and diesel doubled in the first six months of the year, compared to 2007.

Most of the thefts occur in rural locations or secluded areas, and motorists, farmers and rural homeowners around the region are being warned to be vigilant.

Det Chief Insp Brian Roberts, crime manager for Cheshire Police's Western Area, said: "We are receiving more and more reports of thefts of petrol, diesel and oil.

"Typically, the liquid is siphoned out, but in some cases the culprits have cut fuel pipes to drain the tanks dry.

"Businesses have also fallen foul of the thieves, with lorries and heavy plant machinery targeted most often.

"Scrapyards have also been singled out due to the large number of vehicles they tend to house."

Oliver Cartright, of the National Farmers' Union in North Wales, said: "In rural areas, the theft of red diesel and fuel from farms is happening increasingly regularly.

"With the cost of living rising, any such theft is a blow to the community and does not help farmers who are trying to get back to profitability."

Red diesel is a special reduced tax fuel stored in large quantities on farms.

The fuel is much cheaper than diesel at the forecourt but contains a dye which makes illegal use easy to detect.

Det Sgt Dave Snasdell added: "We will be stepping up patrols in those areas considered to be most at risk, and are doing all we can to bring
offenders to justice.

"But these thieves are persistent and we need residents and businesses alike to look at steps that can be taken to keep fuel safe from criminals.

"Try to ensure that any vehicles which are kept outdoors are parked in well-lit areas, preferably in places which are likely to be busy.

"Ideally all vehicles should be stored in a garage, a lockable covered yard or a business premises lock-up.

"Vehicles should always be locked when left and should be fitted with lockable petrol tank caps.

"There are also a number of anti-siphoning devices available which will make life more difficult for thieves."

He added: "Sadly it would seem rising petrol and diesel prices are here to stay and, as with many other items, the high value makes free fuel an attractive prospect for thieves.

"But if residents and business follow the security advice and stay vigilant, and police continue to target offenders, we can make life more and more difficult for those who seek to benefit from criminal activity."

Anyone with information about fuel thefts should contact North Wales Police on 0845 607 1002, Cheshire Police on 0845 458 0000, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.


TIPS TO BEAT FUEL THEFT:

* Vehicles should be parked in busy, well-lit areas.

* Businesses should try to keep vehicles in a lockable covered yard or a premises lock-up.

* Anti-siphoning devices can help protect your vehicle from thieves.

* Report any suspicious activity at petrol stations to the police.