Oil prices prompt fuel theft increase

22 July 2008

The rising cost of oil and subsequent increase in petrol and diesel prices has led to a doubling in the number of vehicles breaking down as a result of fuel thefts.

Figures released by the RAC demonstrated that a significant increase in incidences had occurred across the UK, with Greater London seeing a 500 per cent rise.

Patrolman Prakesh Patel called for the government to reduce taxes to combat the problem, which he described as symptomatic of motorists' desperation.

"The actual numbers of fuel theft breakdowns may still be relatively small, but it's alarming that we've seen such dramatic increases reported since the beginning of the year," he said.

Earlier this month police in Scotland reported that a wave of thefts of home heating oil and agricultural diesel had swept the country, with £14,000 worth being stolen in one area between March and June.

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