Thousands of litres of diesel stolen as dozen Walsall firms targeted
Thousands of litres of diesel, metal and cables have been stolen as up to a dozen businesses have been targeted in Walsall inside two months.
The crime spree has mainly centred around Leamore Close, Fryers Road and Leamore Lane between July and the start of September.
Police have stepped up patrols at nights when premises are being hit, with firms in Newfield Close, Willenhall Lane and Reaymer Close also having fallen victim to crime.
The main focus has been diesel which has become more in demand amid rising fuel costs – although an articulated trailer has also been taken.
In the majority of occasions between 100 and 300 litres at a time are being taken, but larger hauls have been taken in some instances. The exact amount taken is not known but is above 3,500 litres.
Oil Inventions Ltd in Leamore Close has been targeted 14 times in the last five weeks.
Thieves have even returned the day after on some occasions to siphon fuel from a truck.
Those initially responsible snapped off a security gate lock to get inside the site. They emptied some oil drums leaving it spread across the floor and filled one up with the diesel.
Then while the gate was being repaired thieves sneaked back inside to steal even more fuel.
They have even cut away barbed wire to climb over into the grounds of the business which transports oil forcing it to step up security.
Pc Justin Smith, from the Birchills and Leamore Neighbourhood policing team, said: "We are working hard to catch those responsible for the thefts and we are patrolling the area when the premises are closed. However, we would urge local businesses to be vigilant and to make sure they take all possible steps to secure their buildings, grounds and vehicles overnight.
"We would also ask anyone with information about the thefts to call us on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."
