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‘Tagging’ scheme bids to foil farm fuel thieves

10:56am Wednesday 1st September 2010

FARMERS are being urged to ‘tag’ the fuel they use as part of a crack down on thieves in the Test Valley.

Free bottles of a special chemical tag are being handed out which enables police to trace stolen fuel back to its original owner.

The move comes after officers revealed that supplies at seven properties had been targeted in August alone in rural parts of the borough.

In the winter of 2009 to 2010, fuel thefts quadrupled across western Hampshire compared to the same period a year earlier.

Police fear the problem could escalate as residents fill their tanks for the winter ahead.

Ruth Harper-Adams from Test Valley Farmwatch said: “Fuel theft from farmyards not only has a costly impact, it also creates other huge implications, such as delays in farming operations, and may also create an environmental problem where tank damage is a consequence.”

Those living in rural areas can register for a free 100ml bottles of the tagging chemical at the Romsey Show on September 11.

Stickers stating that the fuel has been tagged are also being given out.

For more information, contact Test Valley Crime Prevention Officer, Melody Manning, on 101.

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