Fuel thefts in the increase

There has been an increase in insurance claims for damage to vehicles caused by thieves stealing fuel.

Direct Line Car Insurance said thieves are drilling holes in fuel tanks and draining the contents.

Four wheel drive cars are particularly attractive to thieves because of their large fuel tanks and the fact they have greater ground clearance making access to the fuel tank a lot easier,” said a spokesman.

“When full, many 4x4s can contain around £80 worth of unleaded petrol and £100 of diesel.