Police uncover suspected fuel theft operation

North Yorkshire Police Statement:

Three men have been arrested during a multi-agency operation targeting fuel thieves.

The suspects were arrested on Saturday 12 May 2012 when officers from North Yorkshire Police and Humberside Police joined Customs and Excise officials on a warrant at a site on Balne Moor Road, Balne, near Goole.

At the site officers discovered a sophisticated operation which is suspected of being used to turn red fuel into white fuel.

Customs officials seized approximately 10,000 litres of fuel along with equipment suspected of being used in the conversion process.

The suspects aged 70, 50 and 17 were all taken into custody for questioning and have been released on police bail as enquiries continue.

PC Tony Morton, of Selby police, said:

“Fuel theft is an issue we are taking very seriously at the moment and we are working closely with other agencies to ensure that residents and business are well protected.

“Fuel is very expensive at this time and local people and firms can ill-afford to lose it to thieves.

“We have pulled ranks with other forces and our partners to ensure that our borders are well secured and that fuel thieves have nowhere to hide.”

If you would like to report a fuel theft contact North Yorkshire Police on 101..

Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.