Police in Neath Port Talbot are issuing a warning to lorry drivers following a number of recent fuel thefts.
Thousands of litres of diesel has been stolen from lorries parked up in various lay-bys along the A465 between Hirwaun and Llandarcy.
The latest incident was reported at the weekend when 500 litres of diesel were siphoned from a heavy goods vehicle parked up alongside the northbound dual carriageway near Neath Abbey.
Police have stepped up patrols of the area and will be visiting the lay-bys during early evening to warn drivers about the risk of fuel theft.
Detective Inspector Dave Wright of Neath Port Talbot Police said: “We estimate that around 10,000 litres of diesel has been stolen from lorries parked up along the A465 in the past six months.
“These thefts are costing the transport companies thousands of pounds not only in lost fuel but in some cases, damage to their vehicles as well.
“This stolen diesel is inevitably being sold illegally so these crimes are fuelling criminal activity as well. We will not only target the fuel thieves but also anyone involved in the handling or sale of the fuel.”
Crime prevention surveys have been carried out at the sites and signs have been put up in the lay-bys as well as on the M4 matrix signs to warn drivers.
Patrols have been stepped up and police will be mounting high visibility and covert operations to catch and deter those responsible.
Detective Inspector Wright added: “People should be very suspicious of anyone who is selling diesel at cheaper rates and should contact police with any information they may have about the illegal sale of fuel.
“I would ask anyone who knows who is responsible for these thefts or involved in the handling of the stolen diesel to contact us.”
Vehicle owners and hauliers are urged to be aware of these recent thefts and are asked to follow these crime prevention tips:
- Always use a locking petrol cap
- Always try to park your vehicles in a lit area
- Always secure your vehicles overnight, either in a secure business premise lock-up or a residential garage.
- Of possible, do not leave your vehicle fully fuelled overnight.
Anyone with information should contact Neath Police Station on 01639 634300 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
