Thieves after fuel targeted a vegetable stall and a mechanic's workshop around the rural Southland township of Winton within a 12-hour period last week.
Police are investigating if fuel theft reports in Great North Rd on Wednesday evening and another less than 10 minutes' drive south on State Highway 6 on Thursday morning, are connected.
It came amid soaring fuel prices as a result of the United States-Israel war in the Persian Gulf, with brent crude oil up to $US109 a barrel on Friday.
Wilson's Vege Stall co-owner David Wilson said a person used a power drill to bore a hole in the vegetable truck's fuel tank to collect diesel.
"I got to work in the morning and could smell the smell of diesel. They'd taken the diesel cap off.
"I had a look under, and all the diesel had poured out of the tank. They'd bored a hole in the bottom of the tank."
Wilson said the shop's security cameras picked up the offender arriving in their vehicle about 6.45am.
"This road is really busy with people going past at that time in the morning. We're just hoping somebody's seen them.
"There are lights in front of the shop, so the lights would be shining on their vehicle as well, so they've been pretty brazen to have a go at it."
Wilson said most of the diesel was spilled on the ground in the car park. The truck's damaged fuel tank would have to be replaced, and he would likely have to seek insurance.
"That's a real pain in the bum because now I've got to get the tank fixed. It's the inconvenience."
Wilson and his wife Kathy Wilson have run the vegetable stall and farm shop for more than 35 years.
For the farm side of the business, Wilson said one of the ways they were working to conserve fuel was by doing shorter trips.
"But hey, it's sort of disappointing when someone dumps your fuel on the ground."
Wilson said a local mechanic experienced a similar theft recently and that vehicle's fuel tank was drilled into.
Police confirmed it received another report of a fuel theft from a vehicle at a premises in Great North Rd in Winton at 9.30pm last Wednesday evening.
"Inquiries are under way to determine if these incidents are connected," acting sergeant Daniel Munro, of Otautau, said.
Anyone with information could contact police on 105, quoting file number 260514/1519.
"If people have information or footage that may assist with our enquiries, we would appreciate hearing from them."
Police said it was taking a hard line against fuel thefts and associated offences.
"Overall we are not noticing a particular change in rural fuel theft, but this is a timely reminder for everyone - especially those in rural communities - to look at their security especially around fuel."
This story was first published on rnz.co.nz |  |
