Police have received the reports that offenders are mainly targeting heavy machinery to syphon diesel with a combined total of 530 litres of diesel fuel stolen and 20 litres of unleaded fuel between January 31 and March 10. 

In one case thieves have entered the Gulgong Depot of the Mid Western Regional Council and stolen about 50 lires of diesel from two trucks. 

Police are also investigating the theft of a Ford Ranger dual cab over the same time from that location. The vehicle was subsequently recovered on the Olympic Highway at Wattamondara.

On Sunday, February 23, between midnight and 12.35pm, thieves have targeted heavy machinery which was parked on Ridge Road Cooks Gap whilst road works were being conducted on Ulan Road, approximately 60 litres of diesel fuel was stolen.

Another theft of diesel was reported in Gulgong with approximately 140 litres of diesel stolen from a Volvo Prime Mover at the intersection of Little Bayly Street and Nandoura Street between 8pm Tuesday, March 4 and 8.30am Wednesday March 5.

The last two fuel thefts reported to police occurred over the weekend of March 8 and 9. Thieves syphoned about 280 litres of diesel from three trucks at Mudgee Concrete on Depot Road Mudgee while in another incident approximately 20 litres of unleaded fuel was syphoned from a Mitsubishi Triton utility on White Circle Road Mudgee. Damage was also found to the rear tail light. 

Police are unable to indicate if the thefts are linked at this stage and inquiries are continuing.

Police are encouraging owners and operators of heavy machinery to review their security measures. Measures that can be taken are; increased lighting, relocating equipment to a secure location, alarms, security, reducing the amount of fuel available, suitable locks on fuel tanks, covert cameras and CCTV.

If you are able to assist with these investigations, please contact your local police station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.