A gang of thieves using a fuel tanker is believed to be responsible for stealing more than £45,000 worth of diesel from a Swindon fuel depot.
About 53,465 litres of fuel were stolen in a raid on fuel tanks at the Shell Fuel compound in Bridge End Road between 4pm on Saturday and 6am on Monday.
The total value of the haul was £45,733.
Swindon police spokeswoman Alvina Kumar said: "It is believed that an articulated fuel tanker lorry was used and that more than one person was responsible for the theft."
Shell spokeswoman Mary Brennan said there has been a spate of thefts from fuel depots in the south east of England over the summer, not just from Shell installations.
"Security has been tightened at the Bridge End Road site," she said.
"There are a number of security arrangements at the depot. How these were overcome on this occasion is subject to investigation by Shell and the police."
She added that lorries make night deliveries to depots such as the Bridge End Road site and lorries arriving and departing would not necessarily look suspicious.
Police are appealing for anyone who can help with their inquiries to contact PC Rus Printer on Swindon 528111.
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