Fuel Thefts Escalate in Hunter Region as Diesel Prices Exceed $3 per Litre
Residents across the Hunter region are reporting a disturbing trend of fuel thefts as the price of diesel soars above $3 per litre. Many are waking up to find their vehicles' tanks emptied by opportunistic thieves using syphoning techniques.
Frustration and Desperation in the Community
Shoal Bay resident Brigid McDonald experienced this firsthand when she discovered her Nissan Pathfinder nearly empty on Thursday morning, despite having recently filled the tank. "I started to pull out of the driveway and it was close to empty," she said. "I just thought to myself that I was sure I put petrol in."
Ms McDonald noticed the fuel cap dangling with the flap open, confirming her suspicions. While frustrated, she expressed understanding for those struggling financially. "It's frustrating, we are just a regular family like anyone else. It just shows the desperation that's out there at the moment," she said.
"As angry and money conscious as we are, I still do feel sorry for people who are struggling more."
Security Measures Prove Inadequate
Despite having motion-sensor lights installed, Ms McDonald's vehicle was targeted while parked in her driveway. "Obviously they are sneaky enough that they are able to not get caught," she remarked.
Both of her family vehicles run on diesel, forcing the household to use them more sparingly to manage rising fuel costs. "You do need to start planning your trips and doing things like working from home more often," she explained.
Warning to Other Residents
Ms McDonald wants to alert other Port Stephens and Hunter residents that fuel thefts have "well and truly started." She expressed concern for families who might face emergencies. "I just feel horrible for families who this could happen to who might need to make an emergency trip or get somewhere for an appointment to find that they are stranded," she said.
"It was a few hundred dollars worth of petrol for me, which we don't just have sitting around. I thought I could fill up and then we'd be okay, only take what we need and we would be good for a while."
Now, she's reconsidering when to refuel without additional security measures. "The last thing we want is it to happen again, so we will have to put something in place before we fill up the truck again."
Multiple Reports and Prevention Tips
Other residents in Shoal Bay and Port Stephens have also reported fuel thefts. Many have turned to social media to share prevention strategies, including installing padlocks, locking fuel caps, and anti-syphon devices.
Michael Dinham, who has had fuel stolen twice while parked in town, shared his approach: "Welded three chains to a bollard cap with a padlock and an anti-siphon blocker in the tank." However, he acknowledged that determined thieves might still succeed. "Unfortunately if they want it bad enough, they will come back with the appropriate tools."
Additional deterrents include parking in well-lit areas closer to homes or security cameras. As diesel prices continue to climb, residents are urged to remain vigilant and consider enhanced security measures for their vehicles.
