Fuel thefts up 70% in 2022
In 2022, Saskatchewan RCMP received approximately 818 reports of thefts of fuel (diesel and/or gas), an increase of approximately 70% as compared to 2021.
These reports were received from all across the province and include:
510 reports of someone fuelling up a vehicle at a service station, then leaving without paying. (Note: this excludes reports where investigation determined the person left without paying due to misunderstanding or oversight.)
117 of reports of theft from large fuel tanks or heavy machinery, either by siphoning or drilling the tank.
106 reports of theft from bulk fuel tanks at businesses, farms, or rural municipalities.
The remainder include reports including thefts of jerry cans and similar containers.
Saskatchewan RCMP received reports of fuel thefts from across the province. The detachments with the highest number of reports are Battlefords (61), Saskatoon (58), Shellbrook (46) and Swift Current (39).
Reports of fuel thefts have continued in 2023, including two incidents of gas tank drilling reported to Punnichy RCMP on February 27.
Saskatchewan RCMP 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.