ROAD hauliers across the Fens have been warned to be extra vigilant after a Wisbech firm lost thousands of pounds of fuel in two break-ins over the past six weeks. The Road Haulage Association says its members need to be on their guard following the rece

ROAD hauliers across the Fens have been warned to be extra vigilant after a Wisbech firm lost thousands of pounds of fuel in two break-ins over the past six weeks.

The Road Haulage Association says its members need to be on their guard following the recent theft of almost £10,000 of fuel from Heathcliffe Haulage in Wisbech.

Thieves siphoned 450 litres of fuel, worth £3,200, from the tanks of 26 trucks during the night of September 23/24.

Just a month earlier, £5,000 of diesel fuel was taken from the haulage yard's static tank.

Martin Dean, RHA southern and eastern region area manager, said: "As well as businesses looking at stepping-up their security and looking at the option of fitting fuel anti-theft devices to trucks, there should be greater national provision of truckstops.

"The problem has also been made worse by the closing of laybys on trunk roads. Vehicles need to be left in secure facilities but the facilities to do this are reducing by the month."

Mr Dean believes that with diesel now retailing at £1 a litre, and with Christmas fast approaching, the problem for hauliers will continue.

Heath Noel-Starr, managing director of the Boleness Road based company, said extra CCTV cameras had been introduced to deter burglars.

"Thefts from tanks have always happened, but never on this scale," he said.

The latest theft has also meant problems for re-starting the lorry engines after they were drained completely of diesel.

He has also had to track down 26 replacement fuel caps.

Pc Dave Macdonald, of Wisbech Police, has appealed for information and anyone who knows anything about the raids should call 0845 456 456 4 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.