“Our enquiries are still ongoing, and we can’t rule out further arrests, but I would like to acknowledge the swift response from frontline staff that led to this arrest.”
Winthrop said fuel offending like this is a blight on everyone in the community and urged the public to report any suspicious activity immediately.
“Anyone who is thinking of stealing fuel or vehicles should take this as a warning – we will act immediately and use our resources to find and prosecute anyone involved.”
A 35-year-old man will appear in Waitākere District Court on May 8.
It comes as the price of fuel remains high across the country amid the ongoing war in the Middle East.
The average price of unleaded 91 is $3.24 per litre, while the price of diesel is $3.25, according to Gaspy.
Police said they “continue to take advice from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment around the global fuel shortage”.
“Nationally, police is monitoring trends around fuel theft and associated offences, and responding to incidents as they are reported.”
Police encouraged people to follow their fuel shortage and crime prevention advice.
Fuel prices are expected to rise again today, after discount days at petrol stations yesterday meant prices dropped below $3 a litre, Gaspy director Mike Newton said.
But prices have been declining steadily since their peak, he told Ryan Bridge TODAY.
“In particular, diesel has dropped 65 cents from its peaks and 91 is down 25 cents from its peak so hopefully that trend continues.”
