Car insurance customers and other road users have been told to be wary of fuel thieves and to avoid buying petrol that may have been stolen.

Thames Valley police have urged people to take steps to minimise the risk of becoming victims to fuel thieves following a number of incidents in the Vale of the White Horse region.

Crime reduction advisor Roger Foster said: "With the rising costs of fuel all motorists are advised to pay particular care to keep their vehicles safe."

To deter thieves from stealing their fuel, motorists ought to consider fitting their vehicle with a lockable filler cap and to park their cars in well-lit areas, the police advised.

Checking the fuel gauge before leaving their car unattended should also help motorists detect if their fuel has been stolen.

Meanwhile, Staffordshire police have warned people not to buy fuel that has been stolen as contamination can cause significant damage, car insurance customers may be interested to learn.

Dave Twist, north Staffordshire crime reduction manager, said repairing such problems could potentially cost thousands of pounds.

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