A 32-year-old Invercargill man has been arrested after allegedly stealing 855 litres of petrol from a local contractor's yard in a month-long crime spree.
The man appeared in Invercargill District Court today facing multiple charges including receiving a stolen motor vehicle, theft over $1000, two counts of theft between $500-$1000, theft under $500 and failure to carry out computer search obligations.
Police say the contractor's yard was targeted four times between 28 March and 5 April, with the first theft involving a stolen vehicle used to load 400 litres into jerry cans.
"Police have been investigating the rising reports of fuel thefts, and this quick arrest should be a warning to anyone that commits this type of offending: we'll hold you to account," says Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Scott MacKenzie.
When police executed a search warrant at the man's address, they recovered 11 20-litre jerry cans allegedly used in the thefts.
"We're happy to have nabbed this suspect quickly and been able to recover some of the stolen fuel," MacKenzie said.
The arrest follows another case two weeks ago when two men were charged over separate fuel thefts in the region.
"This follows the arrest of two men, two weeks ago, relating to a number of fuel thefts and I want to reassure the community that we are committed to disrupting this type of crime and holding offenders to account," says Acting Detective Senior Sergeant MacKenzie.
Police are reminding property owners with fuel storage to ensure their supplies are properly secured as officers continue targeting fuel thefts and burglaries across Southland.
Anyone witnessing suspicious behaviour around businesses or vehicles should call 111 if it's happening immediately, or contact 105 for non-urgent reports either by phone or online.
The community can access police prevention advice on fuel security through the New Zealand Police website.