Farmers warned to watch for fuel thieves

Police are warning farmers the rising cost of petrol could result in thieves targeting rural properties.

A litre of unleaded petrol was selling at $1.44 at the pumps yesterday, sparking speculation from the Green Party that the price will reach $2 a litre by Christmas.

But many farmers and others in rural areas are already set for battle, installing security systems and other measures to protect their properties.

A farmer near Ashburton, sick of thieves targeting a shed on his property, used sugar and soap to spike petrol he knew would be stolen.

Alerted to a break-in at the shed one night six weeks ago, he followed the offenders - and their malfunctioning car - using his cellphone to help police intercept them.

A 21-year-old man charged with burglary after the incident was jailed for four months this week by Ashburton District Court Judge Murray Abbott, who said he wanted to deter others.

The man's counsel told the court the vehicle into which the spiked petrol was poured could hardly get above 70km/h as it left the crime scene with the farmer following.

The farmer, who did not want to be identified, said thieves had been visiting his property every couple of weeks.

He said farmers should think about installing security and surveillance systems and consider the cost an acceptable price for peace of mind. Stolen petrol and "mindless vandalism" caused by the thieves over the past months had cost him thousands of dollars.

Ashburton police intelligence officer Mark O'Brien said yesterday that the rising price of petrol could send young men with "thirsty" cars in search of petrol on farms or other rural properties, but farmers were no easy touch.

Many now had security systems in place, and the arrival of intruders activated alarms and lights.

"These guys rely on the fact it is dark and isolated and if a light comes on they will probably scarper. The more security-conscious farmers can be, the better".

The close-knit nature of many rural communities should not be underestimated either, he said. Neighbours could pick a stranger's car or unusual goings-on and were quick to phone police.

Mr O'Brien said farmers were entitled to use reasonable measures to protect their property.

- NZPA