The theft of fuel from bulk tanks on a farm near Sebringville has prompted a warning from the OPP.
Sometime between 2am and 6am Tuesday morning, someone drove onto a farm property along Line 36, west of Sebringville. The suspect vehicle would have been carrying portable fuel tanks.
Vents were broken, and syphoning hoses and portable pumps were used to remove about 500 L of gasoline and 500 L of diesel fuel.
According to the OPP, bulk tank fuel thieves tend to target tanks that are not well lit, and are in locations not visible from homes or roads. Access to the bulk tanks is often gained by driving across lawns and cultivated fields.
There are a number of ways you can reduce the chances of becoming a victim:
- If you have bulk fuel stored on your property ensure you lock the tank and or dispenser to prevent access.
- Ensure the power to the pump is shut off.
- Locate your bulk fuel tanks in illuminated areas within view of residences.
- Call police immediately if you witness suspicious activity in an area where fuel is stored, or if you see a suspicious vehicle driving around with no lights on.
- Pay extra attention to suspicious pickup trucks having fuel tanks behind the cab or jerry cans in the box that are driving around rural roads near your farm.
- Be a good witness, record descriptions of suspicious persons and vehicles. If a license plate is observed, write it down and call the police right away.
- If strangers come onto your farm during the day, be wary, as they may be checking out your property.
