Farmers warned rural fuel thefts soar 120%

Fuel thefts from farms and rural businesses have surged across the UK, with security specialists warning that rising diesel prices are driving organised criminal activity.

Crime intelligence firm DeterTech said at least 50,000 litres of fuel were stolen in 44 incidents reported between March and April 2026 – a 120% rise compared with the same period last year.

The volume of fuel stolen also increased sharply, up 340% from about 14,525 litres in 2025.

See also: Surge in heating oil and fuel thefts prompts warning

The company linked the increase to higher fuel prices, with road diesel prices rising by 34% at the start of March and currently sitting at about £1.86/litre.

DeterTech senior intelligence analyst Richard Crisp said the rise in offences reflected how quickly organised criminals adapt to economic pressures.

“The scale and speed of this increase in fuel theft is deeply concerning,” he said.

“With fuel prices rising sharply, these offences are becoming more organised, more targeted, and more difficult to detect.”

Sophisticated methods

Farm fuel tanks, bowsers, machinery and generators are among the assets being targeted, with thieves using increasingly sophisticated methods.

These include quad bikes with trailers carrying jerry cans or bulk containers to move fuel quickly across rural terrain, as well as modified vans fitted with concealed tanks and pumps.

In some cases, criminals steal entire fuel bowsers by towing them away with 4×4 vehicles or trailers.

Wider damage

NFU Mutual has also warned farmers to tighten security around fuel storage as oil prices continue to rise.

Hannah Binns, rural affairs specialist at NFU Mutual, said fuel theft often caused wider damage beyond the loss of diesel itself.

“Fuel theft is a crime which often leaves a trail of destruction as thieves frequently smash valves and even drill into tanks to get the oil out,” she said.

“This can lead to pollution as any remaining oil seeps into the ground.”

Both organisations are urging farmers and rural businesses to review site security and report suspicious activity to the police.