News

A haulage firm may be forced to close with the loss of 40 jobs following a series of diesel thefts which have come in the wake of recent fuel price increases. RK Transport of Willenhall, near Wolverhampton, says it has lost £100,000 through diesel thefts from its lorries in recent weeks. Sales director Dave Barlow warns that if the crisis continues, 40 jobs could be put on the line because the business could be forced to close.

In the latest incident, 200 litres of fuel were stolen from  the company premises. Barlow says: "The problem started with the increases in fuel price and is spiralling out of control. If this continues we simply won't have any alternative but to close the company down. I estimate we've lost at least £100,000 through stolen diesel."

The firm has increased security, including installing a £3,000 barbed wire fence, to try to protect its premises. Barlow says employees also patrol the site, "but we're facing a losing battle".

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Allens Transport of Stourbridge, Worcestershire, has also suffered an increase in fuel theft following recent price rises. Owner John Allen says thousands of litres of diesel have been stolen in recent weeks - 800 litres in one incident alone. The operator has spent £20,000 improving its security.