More than 370 charges laid by police for fuel theft, petrol drive-offs increase by 28%

Police have laid more than 370 charges for fuel theft since early March, with petrol drive-offs increasing by 28% amid high prices.

Diesel theft has had a “significant” increase, rising from 20 offences per week at the start of March to more than 50 offences a week in April, said Assistant Commissioner Road Policing and District Support, Tusha Penny.

Some incidents involved more than 1000 litres of diesel.

“At the same time, there has also been an increase in petrol drive-offs,” Penny said.

On average, since the week ending March 1, there had been 100 more petrol drive-offs reported to police each week, a rise of 28% over the period.

“However, early indications are that last week the increase was far less.”

The charges for fuel drive-offs and burglaries have been laid since March 2 this year.

Police have laid more than 370 charges over fuel theft since early March.

The rise in fuel theft comes as prices have increased significantly since the war in Iran began, and the key shipping route, the Strait of Hormuz, was closed.

Petrol prices rose 18.6% between February and March 2026, while diesel prices surged 42.6% over the same period, according to Stats NZ data.

Police were taking the response to “this type of crime seriously”, with the number of charges expected to continue to rise, Penny said.

“We’ve been talking with petrol companies every week to ensure we’re in touch with what they’re seeing and to discuss crime prevention.

“They are telling us they feel like things are shifting.”

Officers had acted “swiftly” to respond, and companies had put prevention measures in place.

“I think that teamwork, by police in response and the companies in prevention, may be starting to turn this kind of theft around.”

Penny said anyone who sees suspicious activity should call the police immediately.

“I think if the past few weeks have shown anything, it’s that police will be there to respond, and quickly.

“Offenders should know we are focused on them.”

Penny thanked those who assisted with inquiries, as well as people and businesses who had implemented security measures and called the police when they witnessed crime.