Reports of fuel thefts are up in Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction this year

May 16, 2022
Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan

News release

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"Our crime analysts have reviewed theft files from January to April and Saskatchewan RCMP has received 178 reports of fuel theft, 76% more as compared to the same time period last year," says Monica Deters, Saskatchewan RCMP's acting officer in charge of Crime Reduction and Crime Prevention. "Obviously, there has been a significant increase in the price of fuel recently. We can't speculate on motives in these thefts but it is important that individuals and businesses be aware they may be occurring more frequently."

The analysts included reported thefts of both gasoline and diesel. In the first four months of 2022, Saskatchewan RCMP received 137 reports of thefts of fuel from gas stations. "Considering this, gas stations may want to implement 'pay before you pump' or other policies to prevent customers from inadvertently or intentionally leaving without paying for fuel," Deters says. "Businesses should also consider if their video surveillance and lighting are sufficient and located in appropriate locations for suspects and their vehicles to be identified in the event of a crime."

Saskatchewan RCMP also received 10 reports of thefts from farm fuel tanks, 12 reports of thefts from bulk fuel tanks, 10 thefts of jerry cans and 9 reports of theft by siphoning/drilling gas tanks.

Deters offers the following tips to help prevent fuel theft:

  • Lock privately-owned fuel tanks and ensure the area they are located is well lit.
  • Set up video or photo surveillance in areas where you have a privately-owned fuel tank.
  • If possible, park vehicles in a locked garage or outbuilding or park in a well-lit, frequently-travelled location.
  • Park with your fuel door facing a frequently-travelled road.
  • If possible, don't park in one area, or leave a vehicle unattended to, for an extended period of time.
  • If your vehicle has an alarm, activate it when you leave your vehicle unattended.
  • Report suspicious activity to police: even if it does not involve your own vehicle, if you see suspicious activity occurring, report it.

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