Thieves take £950 of fuel

Nearly 1,000 litres of petrol and diesel, worth about £950, have been stolen from garages across Telford in less than a month, police revealed today.It is thought the thieves not only filled up their car at petrol stations, but also containers they brought with them.

Police believe they have identified a Rover car used to steal petrol and diesel from garages this month. They now want to hear from anybody who could have bought some of the fuel.

The service stations targeted are: Shell at Shawbirch; Trench Lock 24/7; Furrows, Hadley; Asda Telford Town Centre; Red Lion Service Station, Holyhead Road, Wellington; Parkway Service Station, Woodside; Texaco, Kemberton Road, Halesfield.

Also targeted was a garage at Ivetsey Bank, Wheaton Aston; Shell, Sutton Maddock; Welcome Break Service Station, off the M54 near Telford; Tesco, Wellington Retail Park; Shell, Stirchley.

Constable Pete Simmonds said: "It is possible that the stolen fuel is being sold on to unsuspecting purchasers and officers would like to hear from anyone who has been offered fuel in this way.

"Early indications show that the fuel, when stolen, is poured into any container available and it may be that this container is contaminated with water or chemicals, clearly damage to the engine and fuel system is likely."

He said between £50 and £100 of fuel had been stolen on each occasion. The thefts are believed to be linked.

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of theft of fuel and bailed pending further inquiries. Anybody with information should call Telford police on 08457 444888.