Lock, Moyhall targeted by fuel thieves

Lock farmer Andrew Hetzel had about 500L of diesel stolen from a 1000L mobile tank last week after it was left in paddock during harvest.

"I don't always leave my fuel cart at the paddock overnight system, we're working on just another farm as a way from my bulk fuel storage service," he said.

"It was just convenient to have it there overnight this Saturday and sadly they've just taken advantage of that.

"We haven't really had to worry about this sort of thing in the past - there have been times where we've maybe scratched our heads thinking there was less fuel in the tank than when we left it, but this time we know for sure because the tank was completely full."

As soon as he noticed the fuel was gone, Mr Hetzel posted on his local Facebook groups to alert the community.

He quickly had phone calls from people who had noticed suspicious behaviour in the region in the recent days and weeks.

"A farmer about 6km south of me finished reaping that night and left his header to go get a trailer or something," he said.

"As he was heading off he saw lights where his header was so he went to have a look and there was a car there but they took off straight away.

"That was about 10pm and I'd knocked off about 9pm, so it's suspicious and not too far away - especially if they've come a long way looking for something my fuel cart would've been an easy target."

Mr Hetzel said it was unfortunately easy to steal fuel from a farm tank and reminded the community to remain vigilant.

"If there is someone with a funny sort of tank or spray shuttle around it might be suspicious," he said.

The matter was reported to Lock police who are investigating.

Meanwhile, SAPOL is also investigating fuel theft from a property at Moyhall which occurred on October 17.

SAPOL said a substantial quantity of diesel was stolen from a farmer's pivot on Government Road.

A SAPOL statement said to prevent diesel theft, farm owners should consider the following crime prevention tips.

"Ensure that fences, gates and other machinery including centre pivots are locked with good quality locks," it said.

"Lockable fuel caps should be used to prevent theft of contamination of fuel.

"Fuel dispensing systems including the pump, outlets, nozzle, hose and valves should be locked when not in use.

"Warning signs should be displayed on perimeter fence lines and gates to clearly indicate the boundaries of your property to intruders."

SAPOL did not respond to questions from Stock Journal about whether there had been an increase in farm fuel thefts, where they were being seen and what they could be attributed to.