Fuel theft: Man faces 43 charges after Christchurch petrol station drive-offs

A “prolific” Christchurch fuel thief is facing 43 charges in relation to thousands of dollars’ worth of fuel thefts, accumulated by 23 separate petrol drive-offs.

Police were first notified of the alleged offending on March 3, when a man filled several fuel cans and then drove off without paying.

This behaviour was repeated several times and reported to police.

Police reviewed the evidence available and followed lines of inquiry to identify the alleged offender.

A 37-year-old man was arrested after police executed a search warrant at a Burnside address yesterday.

He appeared in the Christchurch District Court, facing 43 charges stemming from 23 separate petrol drive-offs.

Constable Leauga Fuimaono, from the Christchurch Beat Team, said officers undertook significant investigation work to identify the man.

“We were pleased to be able [to] hold this person to account for his prolific offending across Christchurch,” Fuimaono said.

“The man made a lot of effort to steal the fuel and cover his tracks by using stolen number plates, but our team was focused on finding him.”

Fuimaono said unfortunately, none of the fuel was able to be recovered.

This latest arrest follows more than 370 fuel theft-related charges laid by police nationally since March 2, including petrol drive-offs and diesel burglaries.

“Police will continue to investigate all reports of theft to find those responsible,” Fuimaono said.

“We encourage people who have had fuel stolen to please report all of these thefts to police.

“Call 111 if it’s happening now or use the 105 service online or over the phone for non-emergencies.”