Petrol prices are soaring – and thieves are preparing to cash in, police have warned.

Fuel thefts are increasing across the country, and Cumbria Constabulary say the county is following suit.

The force has tackled more than 1,500 fuel thefts in just five years, with around eight a week recorded in the first five months of this year.

A spokesman for Cumbria Constabulary urged the county’s residents to act as the force’s “eyes and ears” as they attempt to crack down on criminals.

Read more: Fuel thefts on the rise in Cumbria

He said the rural nature of Cumbria meant home fuel tanks were being targeted as well as vehicles and advised people to take the following preventative measures:

  • Record the number, location, home fuel tank storage capacity and the date/times when tanks are filled - and regularly check levels.
  • Where possible locate the tank where it can be viewed from the house. Fuel tanks located away from buildings or dwellings are more vulnerable if they can’t be seen by occupants.
  • Ideally, tanks should be within an enclosed compound with secured access.
  • Fit a fuel tank alarm. Remote electronic fuel level gauges will set off an audible or monitored alarm if the fuel level in the tank suddenly drops or falls below a defined level.

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Site security

  • Keep field and farmyard gates closed and locked and block exit points that aren’t used.
  • Activate intruder alarm systems, which may have a local sounder or remotely monitored signalling.
  • Install security lighting to illuminate any suspicious activity.

Vehicles and machinery

  • Use locking fuel tank caps.
  • Keep tractors and powered machinery locked and out of sight from roads and footpaths when not in use to prevent thieves draining their fuel tanks.
  • Check that your fuel gauge is not showing irregularities in fuel levels.