Fuel thieves cost firm £1,500 in two weeks

FUEL thieves have cost a Royston firm more than £1,500 after its vehicles were hit twice in the last two weeks. Haulage firm EXB Specialist Transport is the latest company to be targeted in a series of raids on businesses based on the Orchard Way industri

FUEL thieves have cost a Royston firm more than £1,500 after its vehicles were hit twice in the last two weeks.

Haulage firm EXB Specialist Transport is the latest company to be targeted in a series of raids on businesses based on the Orchard Way industrial estate.

Ken Nelson, owner of the company, said: "We've had problems for the last two weekends.

"They've broken the petrol tank caps and siphoned off the diesel. Fuel is so expensive at the moment, so with that and the cost of getting the tanks repaired, we've probably lost more than £1,500.

"We've also got our reputation to think about. We deliver medical equipment which has to be at its destination on time, so when the vans are off the road it causes delays."

Hertfordshire Police confirmed that they have received reports of similar thefts occurring at other businesses in Lumen Road, Greenfields, and Jarman Way over the last two months.

Neighbourhood Sergeant Pete Frost said: "Commercial vehicles are being targeted in the main, and we are giving advice to business owners to ensure their vehicles are as secure as possible.

"We would also advise owners of private vehicles to take precautions where at all feasible.

"These would include parking your vehicle in a well-lit place, in a locked garage, or locked, gated driveway.

"If possible, park with the side of the vehicle with the petrol cap against a wall, and obtain a lockable petrol cap if you haven't already got one," he said.