By Belinda Nolan
BRIMBANK Police will be zeroing in on petrol stations in Sunshine following a high number of fuel thefts last month.
A total of 28 drive-by petrol thefts were reported over September alone, prompting detectives to act to stamp out the problem.
Most of the thefts were committed on weekends in the afternoon or evening in the Sunshine and Ardeer areas.
At least 12 offences were committed in cars with false or stolen number plates.
Investigators have been trawling through service station CCTV footage in an attempt to identify the perpetrators. They are searching for the driver of a dark coloured VS Holden Commodore, who they believe is responsible for at least two drive-offs at the same Ardeer service station.
The suspect’s car, with distinctive VE SS mag wheels and a P-plate, filled up with petrol and drove off without paying on two separate occasions on 5 and 11 September.
The driver is described as being in his late teens to early twenties, of Caucasian descent and between 170-175 centimetres tall.
Sunshine Police Senior Constable Kieran Atkin said investigators were working with service station owners to identify the offenders. Call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au
