Drivers are being advised to safeguard their vehicles against fuel thefts as incidents increase during 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 security measures.
Recent cases include the secret draining of 25,000 liters of diesel from a lorry depot in Grantham and a driver in Worcester discovering his fuel gauge had dropped after finding his Jaguar’s cap loose in a car park.
To prevent becoming a victim, Halfords motoring expert Andy Turbefield suggests using a locking fuel cap, especially for large lorries and commercial vehicles with less secure caps. Additionally, parking in well-lit areas with visible CCTV can deter opportunistic thieves.
Vehicles like SUVs and older models without locking fuel caps are at higher risk. Commercial vehicles such as vans and pick-ups are also common targets due to their large fuel tanks and the expensive cost of diesel.
Thieves have been using more destructive methods like drilling into fuel tanks, particularly targeting vehicles that sit higher off the ground, such as SUVs and vans. If you suspect tank drilling, do not start the vehicle and seek professional help immediately.
Keeping an eye on fuel levels, reporting suspicious activities to the police, and considering electric vehicles as an alternative are recommended strategies to combat fuel theft and reduce vulnerability to rising fuel costs triggered by global conflicts.
