PROPERTY owners have been urged to be vigilant after a series of fuel thefts in the Pratten, Victoria Hill, Ryeford and Clifton areas.

Clifton Police Sergeant Guy Smidt said he had received several reports of diesel being stolen from farm machinery and vehicles recently.

“There does appear to be a trend in our region at the moment,” Sgt Smidt said.

“We have had several reports, including the theft of diesel from two tractors and a truck at a property on the Ryeford-Pratten Road, so we are investigating this along with several fuel thefts within the immediate area.”

Sgt Smidt said it was crucial landholders, who believed fuel had been stolen on their property, reported incidents to the police.

“Often farmers are reluctant to make formal complaints to police because they may not have substantial details about how much or an exact time frame for the offence,” he said.

“But we would encourage them to come forward if they believe fuel is missing so we are aware of the incident.”

Sgt Smidt said technology gave fuel an element of “traceability” allowing police to analyse and match samples in the event of a suspect being caught.

“If people make us aware of an incident, we may be able to link it to others in the area and in turn match it to the movements of suspect individuals or fuel samples in the event of an arrest,” he said.

Readers with information about the fuel thefts should contact Clifton Police on 4697?3120.

Source: Daily News