Five men have been arrested in Ashford in connection with fuel theft.

On Tuesday (June 11), officers stopped the driver of a 4x4 towing a fuel bowser in the Willesborough area, at about 2am.

A 26-year-old man, from Ashford, was arrested on suspicion of theft, driving whilst disqualified, driving without insurance and possessing an offensive weapon.

He has been released on bail until August 6, pending further enquiries.

On Friday, June 7, four men were arrested after officers found a suspicious vehicle containing canisters of fuel in Ashford.

Officers then carried out a search of an Ashford property and found fuel syphoning equipment.

The men - aged 19, 34 and 37 from Ashford, and a 20-year-old of an unknown address – have been released on bail until July 25, pending further enquiries.

Now, Kent Police are advising those who store fuel to be extra vigilant.

Kent Police have said: “There are a number of things people can do to prevent their fuel being stolen from storage areas and vehicles including:

• Fuel storage containers should be kept locked and alarmed where possible
• Regularly review security around your premises.
• Avoid parking lorries overnight with full fuel tanks.
• Leave vehicles in a garage overnight or park in a well-lit area.
• Consider locking fuel caps and using anti-siphon devices.”

For more information and advice on preventing fuel theft go to http://www.kent.police.uk/advice/property_security/property/fuel_theft.html