Invercargill Police have arrested a local man after 855 litres of petrol was stolen from a contractor's yard over the last month.
"Police have been investigating the rising reports of fuel thefts, and this quick arrest should be a warning to anyone that commits this type of offending: we'll hold you to account," says Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Scott MacKenzie.
The yard was a target four times between 28 March and 5 April.
The first theft involved the use of a stolen motor vehicle where 400L was loaded into jerry cans.
"Today, when Police executed a search warrant at the offender's address, they recovered 11 20L jerry cans used in the thefts.
"We're happy to have nabbed this suspect quickly and been able to recover some of the stolen fuel."
A 32-year-old man appeared in the Invercargill District Court today charged with receiving a stolen motor vehicle, theft over $1000, two counts of theft between $500-$1000, theft under $500 and failure to carry out obligations in relation to computer search.
"This follows the arrest of two men, two weeks ago, relating to a number of fuel thefts and I want to reassure the community that we are committed to disrupting this type of crime and holding offenders to account," says Acting Detective Senior Sergeant MacKenzie.
Police remind individuals and businesses that have fuel on their properties to make sure they are secured.
Southland Police continue to target fuel thefts and burglaries in the province. Anyone who witnesses suspicious behaviour around businesses and vehicles is urged to call 111 if it's happening now, or for non-urgent reports contact 105, either by phone or online.
The community are encouraged to follow Police prevention advice at: Fuel shortage and crime prevention | New Zealand Police
