MOTORISTS in Leigh are being warned to keep their vehicles secure after a number of fuel thefts.
In the last few days there has been a spate of incidents in Astley and Tyldesley where petrol or diesel have been syphoned out of vehicles.
On each occasion, locked fuel caps were forced open and police say offences have occurred overnight.
Inspect
or Anne Scott, of the Atherton Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "We are asking for the public to remain vigilant and ensure that they report any suspicious activity, such as motorists filling up their cars from containers rather than driving to filling stations.
"I would also urge managers of building sites to ensure that their premises and any petrol caps on plant machinery are as secure as possible."
And soaring petrol prices are also causing an increase in cheeky motorists driving off without paying for their fuel throughout the borough.
Whilst some petrol stations haven't noticed any difference, some forecourts in the borough have lost out as more and more drivers are helping themselves to free fuel.
Latest figures for unleaded stands at an average of 117.5p and 130.8p for diesel, but some garages are charging a whopping 123.9p for unleaded and 136.9p for diesel.
One forecourt in Hindley is thinking of different ways of preventing people from driving off without paying.
Abdul Umar, manager of Shell, in Atherton Road, said: "We have had the odd problems. Before we never used to have that problem, but now people don't want to pay.
"I've been thinking of ways when customers do come to the forecourt, there could be a barrier that could stop them driving off straight away."
To report crime, call police on 0161 872 5050 or report it online at www.gmp.police.uk
Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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