What to do if you find out you’ve been a victim of fuel theft

Whether you have your fuel stored in a fixed tank, or in a vehicle, the risk of fuel theft is ever present. Even the military isn’t safe - this year the Royal Navy lost £250K of diesel in one of the UK’s largest ever fuel heists. On top of external factors, fuel skimming by employees is the most common internal reason for fuel theft. 

If your business has recently fallen victim to fuel thieves, here at Tanksafe we’ve been providing commercial businesses with the best fuel theft prevention devices for over 20 years now. We know what it takes to stop fuel theft, and your business will benefit from implementing as many solutions as possible that work in tandem with each other to ensure your fuel is as protected as it can be.

What can I do if my fuel has been stolen?

First thing’s first, inform the police. They’ll do what they can to track down the perpetrators, and bring them to justice on your behalf, and if they’re successful, you will have played a part in stopping the thieves from stealing from any more businesses. Prevention is better than cure though, so if your business has recently fallen victim to fuel theft, here’s our quick guide on what you can do to protect yourself from fuel theft moving forward.

Preventative measures 

Educating your workforce - one of the best steps that you can take to help reduce the likelihood of fuel theft is educating your workforce on the risks associated with this crime. By informing them of the effects that fuel theft can have on a business, and teaching them how to remain vigilant, you can improve the security within your business. Make sure they know how to report the crime if the worst does happen, and inform them of the consequence of fuel theft with regards to their job security. 

Defensive parking - blocking access to fuel tanks by strategically parking your vehicles can prove a very successful preventative measure. Simply use your vehicles or solid structures to block access to your fuel tanks. 

Install CCTV and security lighting - fuel thieves prefer to operate under the cover of darkness in the hope that they won’t get spotted. So, by parking your vehicles in a well lit area, you strongly deter potential thieves. Plus, CCTV in a well lit area can help to identify thieves if the worst happens. It can also be a deterrent in itself as thieves will know there is more chance they’ll be caught. 

Tanksafe Optimum 

Our TankSafe Optimum fuel security and safety device has a unique design that involves a locking float valve at the bottom of the device which rises with the fuel levels in the tank. This prevents skimming and siphoning theft - as well as over-filling and spillage. 

The obstruction in the device means that it can’t be penetrated by thieves, so they can’t access the fuel in your tank.  The device is unique and proven to be far more effective than basic anti-siphons. It offers 3 unique benefits: it protects the environment, makes roads and workplaces safer, and - of course - prevents all fuel theft.

You can find out more on its dedicated page on our website, or find out answers to some of the most common questions over on our FAQs page. If you’ve still got queries, our experts will be happy to resolve them - fee free to give us a quick call on 01253 400 401, and we’ll be happy to help however we can!