Wilmslow Police have been focussing on the problem of fuel thefts following an increase in drive off offences during December and January.
Offenders have been using vehicles displaying false number plates to enable them to steal fuel from local petrol stations, including the service station at Handforth Dean Retail Park.
Due to the extra attention the area has received there has been a significant reduction in these offences, with only one incident occurring in February.
On Monday 23rd February a 60 year old male from Manchester was arrested on suspicion of carrying out eleven drive offs, three number plate thefts and possession of an offensive weapon by GMP Police. This was as a result of a joint investigation into a recent spate of fuel thefts at Tesco's Handforth Dean and Sainsburys, in Cheadle.
He is currently on police bail whilst the matter is investigated further.
Sgt Miller said "The issue of fuel theft is one that we are treating as a priority in Wilmslow due to an increase in the number of offences in recent months. Those who are charged with this offence will have their vehicles seized and displayed in prominent locations to discourage others from following their example."
