M Pinches & Sons Ltd, a West Midlands haulage operation based in Worcester, experienced a theft of approximately 400 litres of diesel from two vehicles during the weekend. The company’s director, Martin Pinches, attributed the incident to rising fuel costs, noting that the stolen fuel was valued at around £800 and characterizing fuel as having become “liquid gold” in the current economic environment.
Beyond the direct loss of diesel, the theft resulted in additional damage and expenses. Thieves broke multiple fuel sending units and fuel caps during the incident, forcing the vehicles to be taken out of service for repairs. This downtime represented lost revenue for the business, which Pinches indicated compounded the overall financial impact of the crime.
West Mercia Police confirmed receiving a report of the burglary, which occurred between 24 and 25 October. Officers stated that a substantial quantity of fuel was taken from the two lorries on the business site, with inquiries continuing.
The theft occurs amid broader concerns about fuel price inflation. During the budget announcement on Wednesday, Chancellor John Healey extended a temporary 5p reduction in fuel duty that had been introduced in 2022, maintaining the levy at 52p per litre through July rather than allowing it to phase out from January. Motor fuel prices have risen substantially, with diesel recently exceeding £2 per litre due to geopolitical factors including ongoing tensions in the Iran region. Since late February, filling a typical diesel vehicle has become approximately £30 more expensive, while petrol costs have increased by roughly £23.
Pinches indicated the company is considering preventive measures, such as instructing drivers to refrain from fully fueling lorries until the morning of planned departures, to mitigate the risk of future incidents.
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