Burglars crept into a business and stole 21,000 litres of diesel in an overnight fuel heist.
Lancashire Police confirmed that between 12,40am and 3.30am on Wednesday, July 20, thieves managed to steal 21,000 litres of diesel from a rural business on Gravel Lane in Banks, just north of Merseyside town Southport. An appeal has been issued to try and find those responsible for the theft.
Posting on Skelmersdale Police Facebook page, a spokesperson said: "Between 00.40 and 03.30 on the 20th July, thieves stole 21 thousand litres of diesel from a rural business on Gravel Lane, Banks, Southport (West Lancashire). Do you live in local villages? Do you have CCTV? Dashcams? Or were you in the area? Please check any systems and get in touch to help up bring these criminals to swift justice. We are particularly interested in any HGVs etc."
READ MORE: David Moores: Liverpool FC issue tribute as former chairman dies aged 76
Today saw traffic disruptions across the country as people began to protest the spike in fuel prices. Liverpool was among the cities listed in a private Facebook group Fuel Price Stand Against Tax, as well as Birmingham, Cardiff, London and Manchester. The police have said they are working closely with the organisers to try and keep disruption to a minimum.
There has been several high-profile protests against the rising cost of fuel and use of oil in recent months. Several members of protest group Just Stop Oil invaded the track during the British Grand Prix on July 3, while 12 fuel price protesters were arrested for causing disruption on the M4 the following day.
Though fuel prices have dropped slightly in the past couple of weeks, petrol prices are still more than 50p higher than in August 21 – while diesel is almost 60p more. The cost of filling an average car currently ranges from £79.40 to £122.88, depending on the tank size.
If you have any information, contact SouthRTF@lancashire.police.uk.
READ NEXT:
ASDA's gesture to anyone who can't pay for their shopping
Spain holidaymakers in mad 'sunbed race' to reserve loungers
I cancelled the papers & the milkman and then killed my wife
House frozen in time goes on the market
'Most wanted' crime boss turned nursing home into amphetamines lab
