'Single gang' thought to be behind thefts from lorries in Cambs

A spate of thefts has taken place in Cambridgeshire and surrounding counties

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Fuel cards stolen from lorries in Cambridgeshire were used to obtain £6,000 worth of fuel in July. Police have warned hauliers to take extra care with fuel cards after a spate of thefts.

Vehicles have been targeted across Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, and Lincolnshire with fuel cards being stolen. In some cases, large amounts of diesel have been purchased before owners realised the thefts had taken place.

PC Andy Barkway of Norfolk Police said the crimes appeared to be the work of a single gang targeting vehicles for fuel cards. No suspects have yet been identified although officers across forces are working to do so.

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He said: "We are investigating several cases where large amounts of fuel have been purchased fraudulently at 24-hour filling stations across Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, and Lincolnshire. The purchases are made over a matter of hours, at night, and before the owners have realised.

"Our advice is not to leave fuel cards in vehicles and to consider leaving a note in the window advising would-be thieves there are none left in the vehicle. Owners could also consider keeping their fuel cards on the key fob in a holder.

"In addition, 24-hour filling stations need to be alert to people behaving suspiciously, for instance trying to hide their identities when filling up with large amounts of fuel, and to check the cards for any signs they may have been tampered with. If anyone does have suspicions and believe a crime is in progress they should call 999."

In March of this year, two fuel cards were stolen and used at various locations to buy £1,500 worth of fuel at multiple locations. In April there was a further report of cards being stolen from a lorry and used 36 times to obtain £6,000 worth of fuel.

A Norfolk Police spokesperson said: "Anyone with information is asked to call PC Andy Barkway at Norfolk Police on 101 or via email at [email protected]. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."