Detectives from the Cairns Property Crime Unit are investigating several reports of fuel thefts and fuel drive offs in recent weeks.
Initial investigations indicate on 29 and 30 March, an unknown male driving a white Nissan Navara bearing false licence plates attended several service stations in Parramatta Park, Edmonton, Portsmith and Tolga, and filled metal drums with fuel before driving away.
Police are appealing for anyone with relevant information, CCTV or dashcam vision to come forward.
The Queensland Police Service (QPS) remains committed to working closely with stakeholders to reinforce prevention strategies and encourages the timely reporting of fuel drive offs and thefts to help address this issue effectively.
Police work closely with local petrol stations across the state to prevent fuel theft and ensure staff safety.
These local relationships are also supported by strong intelligence-led monitoring of community sentiment, crime hotspots and trends.
The QPS has also implemented an SMS and email initiative targeting vehicles involved in suspected fuel drive-offs.
This crime prevention and community awareness initiative allows police to send an SMS or email to the vehicle’s owner advising of a suspected fuel drive-off.
Vehicle owners are advised to contact the service station immediately to finalise payment and avoid a fine and potential prosecution.
Crime trends, including fuel theft, can fluctuate over time and can be influenced by a range of contributing factors.
The QPS remains committed to working collaboratively with stakeholders, including local businesses, to implement effective prevention and disruption strategies, whilst also triaging, and when necessary, prioritising investigations to hold those responsible, accountable for their actions.
Through timely reporting of fuel thefts and the ongoing monitoring of crime trends, QPS continues to address this issue proactively and supportively.
Police are urging the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour to Policelink on 131 444, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Service station employees are urged to contact police if they suspect a vehicle is stolen, or if a driver is attempting to steal fuel.
Do not try to intercept the vehicle, do not active the pump and call Triple Zero or Policelink.
