Forecourt fuel thefts

The thefts are characterised by one person walking to a petrol station forecourt, filling containers with fuel, and walking away without paying. Forecourt CCTV cameras have captured a number of these incidents involving a male wearing dark track bottoms and a camouflage jacket. Police have arrested, interviewed and bailed two people in connection with these incidents as well as searching a house and seizing various items of property.

Police, however, are encouraging retailers and members of the public to report any future incidents to police as soon as possible. The thefts represent a variation of the forecourt drive off and police believe that they can thwart these thieves with community assistance.

Police would appeal for anyone with any information about these incidents to contact them in Ballymoney on 0845 600 8000. Or, if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details, they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.