THIEVES who have stolen diesel worth hundreds of pounds in Tamworth and the surrounding areas are being hunted by police.

CCTV images released this week show the car officers believe has been used to steal the fuel from filling stations.

Police need the public's help in identifying the people responsible for a string of petrol thefts in the area.
Police need th public's help in identifying the people responsible for a string of petrol thefts in the area.

The culprits are said to switch the registration plates on the silver Vauxhall Astra and are thought to have fitted extra tanks to enable them to steal more diesel.

"We are keen to hear from anyone with information about who is behind this series of thefts, which have happened at various times of the day and evening at filling stations across the region," said PC Martin Ellerton of Trent Valley Police, which covers Tamworth, Lichfield, Burntwood, Burton and Uttoxeter.

"If you, or someone you know, is offered cut price diesel fuel, or you hear of people selling fuel at discount prices, then I would urge you to get in touch with police."

Officers are hoping these images, captured during an incident at a garage near Lichfield, in which the offenders filled up with £112 of diesel before driving off, will help them track down the thieves.

The footage shows the car being filled up by a woman, although officers say most of the offences have been committed by a group of men, who witnesses have described as Asian.

Since July 1, the vehicle is thought to have been involved in nine diesel fuel thefts at garages at a Ventura Park supermarket; Muckley Corner, near Lichfield; London Road, Lichfield; and Chester Road, Stonnall.

The car has also been linked to six other offences in Codsall, South Staffordshire; Walsall Road, Great Barr; Hagley Road, Quinton; Lichfield Road, Wolverhamton; and Rockery Lane, Wednesfield.

The car has been spotted showing the registration number S61 CBA which was stolen from a Fiat car, parked in Willenhall, West Midlands, on July 26.

The total value of the diesel stolen in the Tamworth and Lichfield areas now totals nearly £700.

PC Ellerton added that the thefts posed a safety hazard, with diesel being pumped into makeshift tanks fitted in the boot or on the back seats creating a risk of fire or an explosion. Anyone with information about the vehicle, the drivers or the thefts, should contact PC Ellerton at Burton police station, on 0300 123 4455 or Crimestoppers, free and anonymously, on 0800 555111.