Police have warned drivers to keep an eye out after a spike in fuel thefts across Blaenau Gwent, last week. ??Officers from Gwent Police have had 12 reports of fuel being stolen from vehicles over the last two months, with hundreds of litres of diesel being pilfered from lorries, and industrial vehicles parked in industrial estates and lay-bys. ??Thieves have siphoned fuel in two incidents in Brynmawr, three thefts in Tredegar, and seven more in Ebbw Vale.

Police said criminals have been targeting the Heads of the Valleys construction route to both travel and steal hundreds of litres of fuel.

Blaenau Gwent inspector Amanda Thomas said, ”We’ve recently seen a sharp increase in volume of these types of crime. We would like to encourage people to take extra steps and to treat their fuel – whether it be stored in a container in a compound, on their farm or in their cars - as a valuable commodity and take steps to secure it.

"Stolen fuel is not only costly to replace, but the victim may incur additional costs due to missed deliveries and business disruption. It is also extremely dangerous. What is most worrying is lorry drivers sleep in the cabs of some of these vehicles – the consequences of syphoning from a petrol tank during this time could be fatal. We are aware of hot spot areas and will be taking action against those caught stealing fuel.”

Police have warned car owners to ensure their fuel caps are always locked, and to use a garage or driveway when parking, or park under light, if possible.

That advice was also issued to lorry drivers, owners of oil tanks, and businesses with fuel storage systems.

If you have any information on these incidents or witness any suspicious activity, please call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.