DeterTech is warning of a sharp rise in fuel theft across the UK, with criminal activity escalating rapidly in response to rising fuel prices.
Between March and April 2026, at least 50,000 litres of fuel were stolen across 44 incidents reported to DeterTech Crime Intelligence. This marks a 120% increase in incidents compared to the same period in 2025, alongside a 340% surge in the volume of fuel stolen, which totalled approximately 14,525 litres last year.
The increase has been linked to rising fuel costs, driven in part by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Diesel prices rose by 34% at the start of March 2026. Currently standing at approximately £1.86 per litre, this creates a strong likelihood of increased organised criminal activity.
DeterTech also wishes to highlight some of the common tactics being used by offenders. One of the most common tactics is the use of quad bikes fitted with trailers carrying fuel containers such as jerry cans and Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs), allowing them to navigate rural terrain quickly and evade capture after siphoning fuel from sites. These vehicles are often hidden in remote or wooded areas to avoid detection.
Another emerging tactic involves the use of modified vans equipped with concealed storage tanks and motorised pumps, enabling offenders to steal and transport large quantities of fuel directly from HGVs, generators and bowsers. In some cases, a single van can carry up to 20,000 litres of fuel in one operation.
In addition, fuel bowsers themselves are being targeted, with criminals hitching them to 4×4 vehicles or loading them onto trailers and removing them entirely from sites. Fuel theft is affecting assets including generators, plant machinery, tankers and bulk storage facilities across multiple sectors.
Commenting on the findings, Richard Crisp, Senior Intelligence Analyst at DeterTech, said:
“The scale and speed of this increase in fuel theft is deeply concerning and reflects how quickly criminals adapt to economic pressures. With fuel prices rising sharply, these offences are becoming more organised, more targeted, and more difficult to detect. Businesses must recognise that this is now a national threat and take proactive steps to protect their assets, sites and operations.”
DeterTech is urging businesses to take immediate steps to mitigate the risk of fuel theft. Organisations should ensure that fuel tanks are fitted with lockable caps and anti-siphoning devices, and avoid filling fuel bowsers ahead of weekends or periods when sites are unattended. Regular monitoring of fuel levels is also critical to identify potential losses quickly, while physical security measures such as fencing or positioning heavy plant around fuel storage can help to prevent opportunistic theft.
DeterTech continues to work closely with law enforcement partners, including Opal, to build a comprehensive intelligence picture of infrastructure-related theft across the UK. Businesses are encouraged to report all incidents of fuel theft and suspicious activity to support intelligence gathering and strengthen collective efforts to combat this growing threat.
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