Every year, fuel theft causes issues for thousands of businesses and members of the public across the length and breadth of the UK. Until now, the scale of this problem wasn’t clear, but new data obtained via the Freedom of Information Act by Certas Energy has shone light on the situation.Every year, fuel theft causes issues for thousands of businesses and members of the public across the length and breadth of the UK. Until now, the scale of this problem wasn’t clear, but new data obtained via the Freedom of Information Act by Certas Energy has shone light on the situation.
The results are shocking. In 2015 some £2,099,518 worth of fuel was stolen across the UK, this being comprised of 19,755 commercial and 9,429 domestic thefts. Countless more may have gone unreported.
Commercial thefts accounted for a large portion of the total – £1,469,354.13 – with crimes being felt most in Greater Manchester, South Yorkshire and Hertfordshire. The map below gives a country-wide lowdown of the data.
In terms of domestic theft, South Yorkshire, Dyfed-Powys and Wales South saw the greatest number of thefts during 2015. See the map below to see a regional breakdown.
Looking at the results, £2 million is a shocking number, and what is more, not all police forces held or recorded the total value of oil theft, meaning these numbers are only an indication of the scale of the problem.
To find out more about the oil theft hotspots, and further advice on how to keep your oil safe, please visit: Smart Monitor
