The 4 most common factors driving rising fuel theft

Fuel theft is an ever-prevalent issue for business owners and fleet managers, but there’s been a particularly worrying rise in recent years – as we’ve covered here on the blog already in 2024. All that makes protection measures more important than ever. In order to maximise the effectiveness of security measures for your own fuel though, it always helps to make sure you know some of the most significant contributing factors to this concerning trend. And with decades of experience behind us in the industry here at TankSafe, our experts have a couple of useful insights for you!

1. Rising fuel prices means that fuel is more valuable than ever

It makes sense to start with one of the most well-known causes. Namely, that fuel prices have surged in recent years due to a mix of global and local economic factors. Geopolitical tensions have led to disruptions in fuel supply chains, while inflation has continued to push up costs across industries. All that’s been aggravated even further by factors like the post-pandemic supply chain bottlenecks, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. These (and other) have intensified global fuel shortages, raising prices sharply.

The very short version is that this means diesel has now become even more valuable – which is why it’s become an even more tempting target, both for external thieves and (often) for internal employees too. In fact, while criminal gangs are a valid concern, actually the majority of fuel theft is typically committed by a company’s own employees.

2. Cost-of-living pressures

So, we’ve already covered a few of the more fundamental reasons why fuel has become even more valuable in itself. Compounding the issue is that cost-of-living pressures mean that countless people all over the UK are now worse-off than they were before, so their own financial circumstances also make fuels like diesel a more tempting target than ever.

Fuel ranks consistently highly as one of the biggest regular household expenses, so it’s not surprising that people in increasingly stretched households may be tempted to take the edge off by siphoning fuel from company vehicles. It’s not unusual for people to see it as a victimless crime, or even a perk of the job. This casual approach can lead to regular, small-scale fuel usage that, while individually minor, adds up over time and ultimately creates a significant financial impact for employers.

3. Supply chain vulnerabilities enabling external and internal theft

The nature of HGV operations and fuel storage presents particular vulnerabilities that can be exploited. HGV fuel tanks, for example, are frequently left unmonitored during long-haul trips or while vehicles are parked overnight. Unsecured tanks and refuelling areas without extensive security measures make fuel an easy target.

While internal theft remains a major issue, external theft remains a concern too, with some opportunistic criminals targeting these unprotected access points – especially since many also know that fuel is in high demand. The balance of internal and external factors creates significant challenges for operators trying to secure fuel effectively at every stage of the logistics chain.

4. Financial pressures on smaller operators

For smaller logistics firms, it can be really challenging to keep up with these security demands. Many smaller operators operate on tight budgets, making it difficult to implement comprehensive security systems that include camera surveillance, alarm systems, and regular monitoring of vehicles and fuel tanks. Limited resources make it tough to secure all potential access points, leaving some areas less protected and thus more appealing to both internal and external thieves.

Without the funding for robust security, smaller operators find themselves at a greater risk of theft from both employees and organised criminals who recognise that these businesses lack high-end protective measures. For instance, the absence of CCTV in certain areas of a depot or a lack of motion sensors around storage facilities can create gaps in security.

However, if you’re one of the many businesses currently building up your own security system, there’s one easy way to effectively secure your fuel – and that’s TankSafe Optimum. It features a patented design that we’ve specifically developed in-house here at TankSafe, with a clever locking valve mechanism that prevents the tank being over-filled or “brimmed”. This isolates the fuel in the tank, therefore effectively preventing any skimming, siphoning or spillage. It’s an excellent way to secure your fuel in the short term while you gradually build up additional security measures that can help catch perpetrators in the act.

You can read more about how TankSafe Optimum works, or don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team if you have any further questions about the best ways to protect your fuel in 2024. Give us a quick call on 01253 400 401, and we'll be happy to help however we can!