Drivers are being cautioned to safeguard their vehicles against fuel theft as incidents increase due to the Iran war oil crisis. Criminals are targeting motorists and HGV owners by stealing diesel and petrol while vehicles are left unattended, sometimes resorting to drilling into fuel tanks to bypass anti-siphoning technology.
Recent cases include the covert draining of 25,000 liters of diesel from a lorry depot in Grantham and a driver in Worcester finding his Jaguar’s fuel cap loose with a decrease in fuel level upon returning to his car in a multi-storey car park.
‘Refuel bandits’ are known to target multiple vehicles in a single night, selling the stolen fuel on the black market. To minimize the risk of becoming a victim, Halfords motoring expert Andy Turbefield suggests investing in a locking fuel cap that complies with UK MOT test requirements to act as a deterrent against theft.
Parking in well-lit areas with visible CCTV, choosing busy parking locations, and installing motion-sensor security lighting in driveways are additional precautions to deter fuel thieves. Vehicles vulnerable to fuel theft, such as SUVs, older models without locking fuel caps, and commercial vehicles like vans and pick-ups, should be especially cautious.
Notably, SUVs and 4x4s with larger fuel tanks are prime targets for thieves, particularly during times of escalating fuel costs. A concerning trend is thieves drilling into fuel tanks directly for quick fuel drainage, a method more commonly used on vehicles with higher ground clearance like SUVs, 4x4s, and vans.
If there are suspicions of fuel tank drilling, it is advised not to start the vehicle and seek professional assistance immediately. Signs of tank tampering include a petrol smell, fuel puddles beneath the vehicle, and a significant fuel level drop. Reporting any suspicious activities to the police promptly is crucial.
Maintaining awareness of fuel levels and considering the shift to fully electric vehicles can help mitigate the risk of fuel theft and reduce vulnerability to price fluctuations caused by global conflicts. Making the transition from petrol and diesel can lower dependence on fuel, subsequently lessening exposure to theft and price shocks.