As is usually the case, the recent hike in fuel prices mirrors an increase in offences across our sites where offenders target our fuel storage. This week, in particular, we have suffered substantial diesel thefts including a very determined attempt at Hatfield. The offenders were on site for several hours during which they went to significant lengths to maximise their quarry (no puns here!). CCTV recordings show four male offenders covered lorry borne CCTV cameras with mud (see pic), before entering storage containers to locate the stock of 19L drinking water bottles. They proceeded to empty a large number of the bottles before filling them with fuel syphoned from several vehicles. Site wheelbarrows were then utilised in preparation for wheeling the fuel and barrows off site.

The determined offenders also used angle grinders to cut a hole into the side of a disused safe…. determined yes, but as pictured, the key can clearly be seen in the safe door!

Staff are encouraged to be extra vigilant and ensure preventative security measures are put in place. The document in the download section of the UK News website provides suitable security advice, applicable at all times but in particular ahead of Bank Holiday periods.