(SOUTHERN BRUCE COUNTY, ON) – The South Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is offering the following tips for consumers and retailers to help prevent fuel theft following a theft of fuel report on August 1, 2016. Sometime during the late evening hours of July 31/early morning hours of August 1, 2016, more than 1,000 litres of fuel was stolen from the John Deere dealership on Durham Road in Brant Township.
CONSUMERS
Consider a locking gas cap. Fuel doors that open remotely can be easily compromised.
Avoid parking in dark, isolated areas – especially for extended periods of time.
Park your vehicle in a locked garage. If you don’t have a garage, park next to the house in a well-lit area.
If you have to park on the street or in a parking lot. Park your vehicle so the fuel door is plainly visible.
If you have bulk fuels on your property, lock the tank and the dispenser to prevent unauthorized access.
Call the police if you see suspicious activity around fuel tanks or parked vehicles. Try to record suspect / suspect vehicle descriptions.
RETAILERS
Consider prepayment or pay at pump system.
Install and maintain a good quality video surveillance system.
Be alert and vigilant. Consider greeting customers over an intercom system.
Record licence plate numbers before activating fuel pump.
Locate the cash drawer so the clerk has an unobstructed view of the fuel pumps.
Consider a reward system for customers that provide information that leads to identifying a gas thief.
If you have a gas theft, record the date, time, suspect description, vehicle description and licence plate number.
Anyone interested in more information on crime prevention tips can visit the Crime Prevention page at http://www.opp.ca/.
The South Bruce OPP is requesting anyone with information that can assist police to call 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a secure web-tip at www.crimestoppersgb.ca, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.