Fuel Theft Plummets 87% in Bassetlaw After Police Crackdown
Bassetlaw has seen a massive 87% drop in fuel theft, thanks to a relentless police crackdown on rural criminals wreaking havoc on local businesses and residents.
Operation Reacher Hits Fuel Thieves Hard
Throughout July, Nottinghamshire Police’s Operation Reacher team worked round the clock, using intelligence and targeting known hotspots. Their efforts led to three arrests and the seizure of over 1,000 litres of suspected stolen fuel.
Backing the operation were Neighbourhood Policing officers and the road policing unit. They even used a stinger device to stop a quadbike linked to the thefts. Multiple quadbikes were confiscated during the raids.
Rural Crime a Menace to Farmers and Residents
Fuel theft hits farmers, rural properties, businesses, and motorists hard. Some thieves have even resorted to using weapons to intimidate victims into handing over fuel.
Inspector Hayley Crawford, District Commander for Bassetlaw, said:
“Fuel theft was something bringing misery for businesses and residents across the north of the county. But thanks to the determination, hard work, and teamwork of the neighbourhood team, Operation Reacher, roads policing, intelligence officers, and the public, we’ve seen a huge drop over the last few weeks.”
She added:
“We’ve seized hundreds of litres of suspected stolen fuel, barrels we suspect were used in thefts, siphoning equipment, and a number of quadbikes. We’re listening to our communities and will keep up operations like this to disrupt these criminals.”
Call on Public to Help Crack the Case
Inspector Crawford urged anyone with information on fuel theft or rural crime to get in touch. You can report anonymously, and every tip helps catch those blighting Bassetlaw’s rural communities.
- To report crime, call Nottinghamshire Police on 101
- In an emergency, always dial 999
- To report anonymously, contact Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111
