Fuel thieves hit operator twice
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lir A North-East haulage firm has been hit twice by fuel card fraudsters in two months, leaving it £9,01110 out of pocket. In both cases 6,000 litres of fuel was drawn on a Securicor Fuelserve card belonging to Northumberland firm Phillips of Seahouses.
The first theft occurred in February after a fuel card was taken from one of the firm's trucks. The second incident happened just two weeks ago: Phillips believes this was a more sophisticated fraud, using a "cloned" card and PIN number. On both occasions filling stations at Bannockburn, Stirling and Bathgate were targeted.
Phillips says it still has the card and its driver insists that the PIN number has never been divulged.
This is not the first time that criminals have targeted the unmanned filling station at Bannockburn: in January of this year fraudsters using a cloned Diesel Direct card stole 2,000 litres of fuel from an account belonging to Scottish operators Forth Tyres (CM 25-31 January).
dria.-1 Di A spokesman for Associated Oils, which runs the garage, says that CCTV cameras are fitted and the pumps are limited to dispensing BOO litres at a time. He adds: "With modern technology, there must. be some way of making these cards more secure."
Lothian and Borders Police say investigations are at an early stage but hauliers are advised to "make sure that security is as tight as possible".
• A Bristol-based haulier is appearing for information after one of its trucks was taken from a garage when its driver stopped to ask for directions.
011is Transport says its driver stopped in Wolverhampton when faced with a low railway bridge—local police say this is not the first time an HGV has been targeted in this way.
Otis is offering a reward for information leading to its return. The stolen vehicle is a Scania P114 6x2 sleepercabbed tractor; in white, with air-management kit and in 011is livery, Its registration number is P420 THW • Contact: 01179 822091 or 01179 823883.