Drivers who own diesel cars have been issued a warning amid soaring fuel prices.
Diesel car owners are being urged to be more careful about there they get their fuel from after a UK security firm has warned that the rising cost of living and fuel prices could see a rise in diesel thefts across the country.
Kingdom Systems are warning that thieves may be taking advantage of changes to red diesel laws and those who buy diesel should make sure they are purchasing it from reputable places, especially fuel stations.
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Red diesel is practically the same fuel as diesel, except that it has red dye in it. The fuel was offered to certain industries in the wake of the pandemic but the number of companies able to access it has now been cut by Government Ministers in a bid to meet new environmental policies.
However, as reported by Birmingham Live, this policy change in line with rising fuel prices could result in a tipping point when thieves search for tanks located away from fuel forecourts to steal from them.
With this, from April 1, 2022, only certain industries such as agriculture and rail are allowed to use red diesel while the aspect of adding the red dye is being phased out. But this has led to concerns that those who steal the fuel will avoid being easily traced.
Craig Walton, Director at Kingdom Systems, said: “As ministers have now dropped plans to offer red diesel to construction sites and others, we’re worried it could lead to a tipping point where thieves now target these places knowing their gains will largely be untraceable. And this concerns us.
“We would urge all industries who have changed to diesel to be watching their tanks and supplies over the coming months to make sure thieves are not benefitting. It’s imperative to be monitoring over the coming months as watching stocks and supplies will be crucial.
“Motorists, meanwhile, need to make sure they’re purchasing from reputable outlets, as they could be helping the criminals by buying elsewhere.”
A spokesman for the Home Office has since told BirminghamLive: “The Home Office does not anticipate reforms leading to fuel theft at scale but will work closely with policing partners to monitor the situation.
“Fuel users storing diesel in tanks or in vehicles and machinery on their site should continue to take steps to ensure this is stored securely.”
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