THIEVES who drill inside cars' fuel tanks and steal petrol have struck again.

There were 17 thefts of petrol from cars in Oxford reported to police in the first six weeks of the year.

During the night on Tuesday, thieves drilled a hole in the tank of a blue Renault Laguna in Mill Lane, Marston, and stole petrol.

Det Con Claire Routledge, of Oxford auto crime, said: "With the rising costs of fuel all motorists are advised to pay particular care to keep their vehicles safe."

Anyone with information should contact police on 08458 505505 or speak anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police have issued the following advice to all motorists in the city:

  • Ensure vehicles have lockable filler caps
  • If you have to park your vehicle in the road always try to park in well lit areas and where possible, reverse your vehicle into the drive
  • Always check your fuel gauge after leaving your vehicle unattended to make sure there is the correct amount in the tank
  • For businesses and farms with their own fuel tanks supplying a fleet of vehicles, check perimeter security, lighting, CCTV and intruder alarms are all working correctly.