Car fuel thefts in Crewkerne

Whilst out and about in Crewkerne recently I was concerned to hear from a local garage owner about the growing problem of cars having their fuel siphoned.

Most cars have some form of anti-siphon mechanism fitted but these thieves have been drilling down along the petrol filler, or even drilling into the petrol tank itself. This is so dangerous that there have been reported a number of fires arising from this crime.

In one instance the thieves had been clever enough to leave the car open to further siphoning such that the owner did not know anything until he noticed his fuel consumption dropping.

I have raised this matter with the Police and they inform me that there have been an increasing number of fuel thefts in the Chard, Crewkerne and Merriott areas, including an incidence in the station car park.

The local police have been running a Fuel Safe Initiative since 2008 and it has been sponsored by Total. Leaflets have been distributed to ensure residents are aware of how to keep both car fuel and heating oil safe from theft.