How organised gangs are stealing fuel as petrol prices surge

• Organised gangs are increasingly stealing petrol and diesel from forecourts by filling large plastic containers hidden in vans, with the stolen fuel believed to be resold on the black market.
• Forecourt Eye reported a significant surge in fuel theft, with incidents increasing by 13% and the volume of fuel stolen rising by 17% in the 50 days following the start of the Middle East conflict.
• The rise in thefts is predominantly driven by first-time offenders, who accounted for a 16% increase in incidents and a 23% rise in the volume of fuel stolen.
• Michelle Henchoz of Forecourt Eye highlighted the extreme danger of storing fuel in improvised containers within vehicles, warning of potentially catastrophic consequences in the event of a collision.
• Industry bodies, including Forecourt Eye and the Petrol Retailers Association, are urging vigilance, noting that rising pump prices are leading to more 'drive-offs' and directly impacting forecourt operators.