Diesel drivers are being targeted by thieves with criminals stealing fuel from tanks overnight, according to Suffolk Police.
Lorry and HGV drivers have been targeted with a number of incidents across laybys in the region in recent weeks.
Nine offences have been reported across lorry parks in the Bury St Edmunds area of the A14 since the beginning of March.
However, police expect that not all incidents have been reported meaning true figures are likely to be higher.
Superintendent Matthew Carney warned criminals were “breaking fuel caps” in a bid to get access to tanks.
He explained: “We have seen a number of these types of thefts this year.
“Thieves are damaging and breaking fuel caps in a bid to get to the fuel and I would urge any lorry drivers and haulage company owners to take steps to prevent themselves from becoming victims.
“If you are a victim, please report the incident as soon as possible. Equally, if you witness any suspicious activity, for example people tampering with lorries late at night, please report this straight away via 999 as this gives us the best chance to catch those responsible.”
The latest incident took place in a lorry park on the A14 at Rougham between April 5 and 6.
Meanwhile, Suffolk Police claim diesel was also stolen from a lorry near Bury Road on Match 8.
HGVs were also targeted at Copdock Interchange at the end of March as well as a layby at Copdock on the A12 in April.
Another incident occurred overnight at Claydon on April 2 as the spate of attacks continued.
According to Suffolk Police, commercial vehicles such as HGVs are often seen as ”prime targets” for fuel thefts.
This is because these large vehicles have hefty fuel tanks and are often parked in secure laybys.
Fuel can be taken while drivers are also in their vehicles meaning motorists are likely to be unaware of the crime until the morning after.
As well as taking diesel, criminals can cause hefty damage to fuel caps, tanks and fuel lines which could lead to costly repairs.
Road users have been urged to consider locking their fuel caps and using anti-siphoning deterrents in a bid to prevent thieves from accessing their tanks.
However, they warn fitting any devices could affect vehicle warranties so motorists have to be careful.
Suffolk Police also encourages motorists to adopt “defensive parking measures” by stopping their vehicles in a highly visible and well-lit area wherever possible.
