Thefts on the rise as prices hit record high

Sky-high fuel prices are also driving motorists to crime, Auto Express has discovered. Filling stations are being plagued by an unprecedented rise in forecourt drive-offs, according to figures from the British Oil Security Syndicate. It says the numbers rose by 20 per cent last year, and early indications show there has been a “further noticeable increase” since January.

Although CCTV cameras monitor vehicles on the forecourt, criminals who are operating a steal-to-order policy are dodging these using a practice known as ‘stripping’, where registration plate numbers are temporarily altered with tape.

Drive-offs aren’t the only criminal activity being spurred on by rocketing fuel prices. Thieves are now stealing domestic heating oil, used mainly in rural areas, from right under residents’ noses. The oil, which has risen in value from 37 pence a litre in 2007 to 56 pence today, can be used as a crude substitute in diesel engines.

A spokesman for insurance firm NTU Mutual said: “It’s a new crime as far as we’re concerned. We had not seen domestic oil being taken until about six months ago. Thieves will steal anything that’s valuable.” Fearless robbers are actually driving tankers right into farms and large back gardens that have the oil tanks in view – and siphoning off up to £1,000 worth of fuel.

“There have been over 100 claims in the last six months, at a combined cost of over £50,000,” said the representative for NTU. Advice from the authorities is to secure fences and gates with padlocks, and relocate or camouflage tanks visible from the road.