Farmer catches fuel thief

The intruders claimed they had lost their car keys and attempted to flee on foot when police arrived. Photo / Getty

A farmer's security system was instrumental in the prompt arrest of a fuel thief.

Senior Sergeant Andrew O'Reilly of the Waikato District Command Centre said police were called to the rural property on Starkey Rd, near Morrinsville, shortly after 2.10am today.

After the farmer's security system was triggered, he went to investigate and found a man walking around the area of his fuel pumps.

"When challenged, the man claimed his car, a red Holden Commodore, had overheated and broken down," said Mr O'Reilly. "While the farmer went to check his fuel pump and contact police he noticed a second man who was allegedly helping the first check the radiator."

The intruders then claimed they had lost their car keys and attempted to flee on foot when police arrived, he said.

One intruder was quickly caught and the 18-year-old Morrinsville man was arrested and admitted being on the property to steal fuel.

He will appear in the Hamilton District Court today on two burglary charges and one of possessing an offensive weapon.

However, the second offender remained at large.

"A police dog and handler tracked the second offender for some distance but this man, who has been identified, remains at large and staff are currently working to locate him."

The steps taken by the farmer to secure his property had allowed information to be relayed in a timely manner enabling a quick response from police, he said.

"We ask people to consider securing things like fuel bowsers, install CCTV systems and even gate alarms.

"It's about layering your defences to make your property a hard target for thieves, don't put yourselves at risk and allow those trained in such things to apprehend the offenders."

Rural crime prevention

•Report it. Often rural crimes aren't reported. Ring 111 for urgent matters or Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 with information about crimes that you have heard about.

•Ensure boundary fences and gates are secure.

•Consider installing security lighting around implement sheds, milking sheds, farm houses.

•Make sure valuable items such as fuel, chainsaws, firearms and farm vehicles are secured when not in use.

•Make use of your neighbours to keep an eye on each other's property.

•If going away for the holidays let them know, where possible have someone stay on the property and avoid placing messages on social media about your absence.

•Lock fuel bowsers and tanks to prevent thefts or damage.

•Consider installing gateway alarms or CCTV cameras to record any vehicles entering your property.

•Consider securing stock yards by locking gates on loading ramps.

•Take note of suspicious vehicles and advise the police. Remember, if something doesn't seem right, it probably isn't.