By Kaitlynn Anderson
Staff Reporter
Farms.com
Farmers in Elgin County and surrounding areas are concerned over two recent diesel fuel thefts.
The most recent theft occurred late on Thursday, Nov. 30 just south of Belmont, according to an OPP release on Monday.
The thieves drilled holes into the fuel tank of a New Holland tractor, removing over 52 gallons (200 litres) of blue-dyed diesel.
But the thieves are not likely leaving with the full amount of fuel, Adam Crewdson, a constable with the OPP, told Farms.com yesterday.
“A certain proportion of (the fuel) is being spilled, which poses an environmental risk.”
To discourage thieves, farmers may want to “try and position their tractors in a more obvious place, whether it be by somebody’s (house) or by a busier intersection,” Crewdson said.
The diesel will not likely sell well because it is marked with the dye, he added.
A similar theft occurred on Nov. 15 on a property near Ferguson Line and Dalewood Road in St. Thomas. In this case, thieves stole over 132 gallons (500 litres) of diesel from a John Deere tractor.
People who have any information about either of the incidents are encouraged to contact Elgin OPP at 1-888-310-1122. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can also contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit a tip online at www.londoncrimestoppers.com.