Thieves have made off with over 1,500 litres of diesel in a wave of rural fuel thefts across Cambridgeshire in recent weeks, Cambridgeshire Police have confirmed.
The most recent incidents took place at a farm in Little London, Isleham, near Ely. In the first hit, on 26 April between 11pm and 11.15pm, around 200 litres of diesel was siphoned from an irrigation pump in just 15 minutes. The criminals also caused damage to the farm’s infrastructure by driving over irrigation pipes.
Shockingly, the same site was targeted again less than ten days later. On 4 May, between 1am and 1.15am, thieves stole an additional 300 litres of diesel in another quick raid.
Elsewhere in the county, a fuel bowser containing approximately 1,000 litres of red diesel was stolen from Bridge Farm in North Bank, Thorney, sometime on 29 April. Another theft occurred at New Decoy Farm in Holme, between 25 and 28 April.
Police Issue Urgent Advice to Prevent Further Thefts
In response to the spate of thefts, Cambridgeshire Police are urging farmers and rural businesses to secure their fuel supplies. Officers recommend several crime prevention measures, including high-quality fuel caps, fenced enclosures, perimeter alarms, CCTV systems, and limiting how much fuel is stored overnight.
A police spokesperson emphasised the importance of vigilance, encouraging residents to report any suspicious activity or vehicles, especially near farms or isolated properties.
“Fuel theft can have a significant financial impact and cause operational disruption,” the spokesperson said. “We’re asking the public to be on alert and take steps to protect their property.”
Police are appealing for anyone with information on the thefts to contact them online or via 101.
