Two men have been arrested in separate early-morning fuel thefts in Christchurch and Hamilton.
Police said both arrests followed prompt calls from members of the public who reported suspicious activity.
In Christchurch, officers were called to a Sockburn address about 4am after a resident saw a man attempting to siphon petrol from their vehicle.
Police stopped a nearby car a short time later. Inside the vehicle, officers found five 60-litre fuel containers, a battery-powered siphoning pump, and a small amount of methamphetamine.
A 31-year-old man was due to appear in the Christchurch District Court today, facing charges including unlawfully interfering with a motor vehicle, possessing equipment to facilitate dishonesty offending, and possession of methamphetamine.
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About 20 minutes later in Hamilton, police received a call from someone watching live camera footage of a man stealing diesel from a worksite in the city’s Peacocke area.
The suspect left the site in a hatchback and was stopped by police south of the city around 4.35am.
Officers found three containers of diesel, along with tools, drugs and knives inside the vehicle.
A 35-year-old man was arrested and was to appear in the Hamilton District Court today. Charges have yet to be confirmed.
Assistant Commissioner Tusha Penny said police were closely monitoring fuel thefts, with a recent increase in diesel being targeted.
"These incidents show just how important it is for members of the public to call police as soon as they see something suspicious," she said.
"Their quick action helped ensure these offenders were arrested and will be held to account."
Diesel prices have risen at a much faster rate than petrol during the fuel crisis caused by the latest conflict in the Middle East.
According to user-generated app Gaspy, unleaded 91 octane cost an average of $3.49 a litre across New Zealand, while diesel cost $3.84 a litre.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has ruled out broader relief for diesel prices, saying it would be "unaffordable and irresponsible" and risk fuelling further inflation.
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