Winton-based western districts CIB Detective Dougal Henderson said police had seen an increase in fuel thefts in the area.
‘‘It has been a bit of an on/off problem in the past few years and I do think price does have an impact [on the number of thefts],'' Det Henderson said.
‘‘It is about 50/50 industrial areas and farms.''
‘‘They take fuel from a farm or yard and then sell or exchange it through the black market.
‘‘We have received information that it gets exchanged for beer and drugs.
‘‘It is used like a currency with the criminal fraternity.''
Fuel has been stolen from contractors' and transport operators' fuel tanks or machinery, while being stored in yards or at work sites. Transport companies tended to refuel their trucks last thing at night, to be ready for the next morning.
‘‘I would like to see them leaving refuelling to the next morning, so thieves are not going to get much,'' Det Henderson said.
Many farm yards made good targets as intruders could often come and go undetected. While many farmers lock their fuel tanks, that is not always a deterrent.
‘‘They [the thieves] use bolt cutters on padlocks, or just cut the hoses.''
He advised farmers who heard anything usual or witnessed a theft (fuel or otherwise) to call the police immediately.
‘‘Don't deal with it yourself, as you don't know how many there could be and they could be armed,'' he said.
‘‘Just be observant without confronting them.''
He urged people to get as much information as possible, such as vehicle registration and details, without putting themselves in danger.
‘‘Most importantly, keep things locked,'' he said.
