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Cornish fuel theft spree
Page 9
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lw Cornish hauliers have been advised to step up site security following a series of diesel thefts in the county,
Devon and Cornwall Police believe that a single organised gang is responsible for the fuel raids, and are warning hauliers to be vigilant.
The story came to light during CM'S Cornish Regional Special (to be published next week, CM17-23 July).
Widegates-based Wove!! Haulage has been targeted seven times during the last 12 months—in total, 2,500 litres of diesel have been stolen from trucks parked up at its base. "It is getting to the stage where we keep the fuel tanks unlocked so that they don't get damaged; these people will get into the tanks at any cost," says managing director Guy Wevell. The thieves have been targeting Wevell's premises since 1998. On average, he says, 30 gallons of fuel are stolen in a single night. In the past, pickaxes have been used to smash fuel tanks on HCVs.
Another haulier hit by the thieves is St Mellion-based M&S Hauliers. Managing director Michael Beaver says the criminals have not visited his depot since last September, but before then diesel had been stolen from his rigids five times.
Sargeant Mark Leggatt, who is stationed in Loon, adds: "At this time, we are unsure about the number at people involved. We advise hauliers to check their perimeter fencing they may also think about using private security firms."
He advises operators to take note of any suspicious activity, and to record the details of vehicles which are parked up near their depots and contact the police.
• Contact: Devon and Cornwall Police on 01579 326432.