London, UK: As the price of diesel continues to soar thieves are targeting diesel, prompting fears that parked up HGVs will be vulnerable.
In one incident in Newcastle last week 15,000 litres of fuel “worth £24,000” was stolen from a storage tank at haulage firm Murray Hogg.
Company director David Hogg told the BBC that prices were “crippling” for the firm, even before the theft. “Coming and taking it after that is just knock after knock,” he said.
Hogg pointed to two similar thefts in the Darlington and Newcastle areas in the past week.
Northumbria Police confirmed it was looking into the Murray Hogg theft and has appealed for information.
The theft comes as petrol and diesel prices have soared amid sanctions on Russian energy following the country’s invasion of Ukraine.
Hauliers on Twitter have voiced concerns that HGVs “parked anywhere overnight will also be a target”. Secure overnight parking is needed more than ever, they say. “CCTV cameras just aren’t enough,” says one.
