Haulier Martin Pinches Blames Rising Fuel Prices for 400-Litre Diesel Theft from Lorries

A haulage operator has spoken out after thieves siphoned 400 litres of diesel from two of his lorries, in an incident he links directly to soaring fuel prices. Martin Pinches, who runs the transport firm, said the theft has dealt a blow to his business at a time when diesel costs are already squeezing margins. The stolen fuel, enough to fill several car tanks, was taken from vehicles parked at his premises, highlighting the growing vulnerability of commercial fleets to fuel-related crime. Pinches believes that as pump prices climb, criminals are increasingly targeting trucks and storage tanks, turning diesel into a lucrative black-market commodity. The theft not only represents a direct financial loss but also disrupts operations, forcing him to refuel before scheduled deliveries and adding unplanned downtime. Industry groups have warned that fuel theft is on the rise, with organised gangs using sophisticated methods to drain large volumes quickly. For small and medium-sized hauliers, such incidents can erode already thin profits and undermine confidence in overnight parking security. Pinches is now reviewing security measures, including enhanced lighting and CCTV, but says the root cause is the economic pressure created by high fuel costs. As diesel prices remain volatile, operators are bracing for further theft attempts and calling for greater police focus on this type of crime.