Thieves are cashing in on the soaring price of fuel by stealing diesel from lorries – threatening the future of Black Country haulage companies.

RK Transport in Willenhall says it has lost £100,000 in stolen diesel.

The problem has reached a peak in the last few weeks due to rising diesel prices.

Dave Barlow, sales director at the firm, has warned that if the crisis continues 40 jobs could be put on the line because it could be forced to close.

Read the full story in today’s Express & Star.

Thieves are cashing in on the soaring price of fuel by stealing diesel from lorries – threatening the future of Black Country haulage companies.

RK Transport in Willenhall says it has lost £100,000 in stolen diesel.

The problem has reached a peak in the last few weeks due to rising diesel prices.

Dave Barlow, sales director at the firm, has warned that if the crisis continues 40 jobs could be put on the line because it could be forced to close.

In the latest incident two weeks ago 200 litres of fuel was stolen from the company premises, situated at Temple Bar.

The problem started when the firm was first established 16 years ago.

It has increased since diesel prices started soaring.

Mr Barlow said: “The problem really is spiralling out of control. If this continues we simply won’t have any alternative but to close down the company with a loss of around 40 jobs.

“I estimate we have lost at least £100,000 through stolen diesel. There are two kinds of thieves.

“The first are very professional and steal gallons of diesel from us to order and bring in lorries to pick up the barrels. The other type steals only small amounts for their own personal consumption.”

Security has been increased including erecting barbed wire fencing and spending £3,000 on a steel fence. We also have employees who patrol the site, but is is a losing battle.

Other haulage companies in the Black Country are facing major financial losses due to thieves.

Allens Transport Ltd based in Stourbridge has been hit several times by fuel thieves in the last couple of years.

Boss John Allen said thousands of litres of diesel had been stolen, with 800 litres taken in one theft recently.

The firm has spent £20,000 on increasing security by introducing sensor systems to spot when someone enters the yard in Old Wharf Road.

Mr Allen said: “It’s money you don’t get back. Our insurance excess is £1,000 so anything under that is not worth claiming for.”

By Andy Richardson