Police are investigating the theft of about 3000L of diesel from a Marton business this week.
Sergeant Wayne Sandbrook said the theft occurred on Tuesday between 4.20am and 4.50am, and was reported at 8am.
"Two men arrived in a light truck and were seen filling a fuel trailer, a fuel pod and drums with diesel from an on-site tank.
"The offenders have made off with a large amount of diesel, which is a major hit for a local business and its hard-working staff," he said.
"Both people involved have attempted to hide their identity, but we’re continuing to make inquiries to hold these offenders to account.
Sandbrook said police "will not accept this offending in our community".
“A scene of crime officer has processed the scene, but we would like to hear from anyone who saw a white-coloured light truck towing a small fuel trailer in the Marton area around the time of the offending, or any other suspicious activity.”
Anyone with information was urged to report it online, by calling 105, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
"Offending like this hurts hard-working people in our community, and our message to people is if you see anything suspicious, please report it to us immediately.”
Last month, police said it would be watching thefts of this nature closely as the price of fuel skyrocketed in the wake of the Middle East conflict.
Just two days ago, two men were arrested and charged in separate early-morning fuel thefts in Christchurch and Hamilton.
In another incident over Easter weekend, around $700 worth of diesel – roughly 200 litres – was siphoned from a digger at a forestry site where the Auckland Downhill Club is relocating its mountain bike park.
Road Policing and District Support assistant commander Tusha Penny said police were starting to get more reporting of diesel burglary and petrol drive offs.
"Our districts have been watching closely, and we will continue to monitor what is happening.
"We expected this type of offending would increase, as it has in Australia, and police are taking a hard line. This was clearly demonstrated by the arrests in Hamilton and Canterbury yesterday," Penny said yesterday.
"We will continue to respond to these incidents and hold offenders to account."
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