Fuel stolen from truck in Uttoxeter

Police are appealing for information after around 160 litres of diesel was stolen from a lorry in Uttoxeter.

It happened some point between last Wednesday night and early on Thursday morning while the white truck was parked in a layby off the A50.

"Officers are appealing for information after approximately 160 litres of diesel, worth £300, was stolen from a truck.

"On Thursday, 31th March, at 3.45am, police were called to the A50 in Stoke-on-Trent following reports of vehicle crime.

"The driver of a white MAN truck reported that the theft took place sometime between 6.15pm on Wednesday (30 March) and 3.40am Thursday (31 March).

"The truck had stopped in a layby close to the services on the A50 while travelling through Uttoxeter, where approximately 160 litres of diesel was stolen.

"The driver was unhurt.

"It comes after officers had previously attended a residential address in Stafford, where around £1000 in heating oil was stolen from a tanker.

"It is believed this theft took place sometime between 26 and 27 March.

"The victim reported the theft on Wednesday (30 March), having noticed their heating tank was empty despite having a delivery a few days prior."

Gareth Higgins, Police Community Support Officer at Staffordshire Police, said:

“If you own a tank which contains heating oil, consider purchasing a cage for your fuel tank to prevent thieves from accessing it.

“Fencing and defensive shrub planting will also help obscure any tank, present in a residential or business area, from the line of sight.

“Where possible, store the tank away from easily accessible areas and use motion sensors, security lights and cameras where possible so you can keep an eye on it.”