Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what estimate the Government has made of the amount of fuel thefts that have occurred in the last three months from (a) private vehicles, (b) fuel stations, and (c) other commercial enterprises.

The Home Office does not hold data on fuel thefts. However, we are aware of concerns on this topic and are working with the police, DVLA, and fuel retailers to tackle fuel theft, with a focus on streamlining the range of actions that can be taken on those who obtain fuel and subsequently drive-off from forecourts without paying.

Fuel users storing diesel in tanks or in vehicles and machinery on their site(s) should continue to take steps to ensure this is stored securely. Practical crime prevention advice is published on the Secured by Design website, developed by the Police Crime Prevention Initiatives: https://www.securedbydesign.com/guidance/crime-prevention-advice/fuel-theft.