A Christchurch man is facing 43 charges after allegedly stealing more than $4500 worth of fuel in a string of drive offs across the city.

The 37 year old appeared in the Christchurch District Court yesterday on charges stemming from 23 separate petrol drive offs.

Constable Leauga Fuimaono of the Christchurch Beat Team said police were first notified on 3 March, when a man filled several fuel cans at a service station and drove off without paying.

The same behaviour was repeated and reported to police several more times in the weeks that followed.

The Beat Team reviewed evidence and followed lines of enquiry to identify the alleged offender.

He was arrested yesterday after police executed a search warrant at a Burnside address.

None of the stolen fuel was able to be recovered.

“Significant investigation work by the Beat Team identified the man,” Constable Fuimaono said.

“We were pleased to be able to hold this person to account for his prolific offending across Christchurch.”

“The man made a lot of effort to steal the fuel and cover his tracks by using stolen number plates, but our team was focused on finding him.”

Police are reminding members of the public that anti theft screws can be purchased and installed to help prevent number plates being stolen.

The latest arrest follows more than 370 fuel theft related charges laid by police nationally since 2 March, covering both petrol drive offs and diesel burglaries.

“Police will continue to investigate all reports of theft to find those responsible,” Constable Fuimaono said.

“We encourage people who have had fuel stolen to please report all of these thefts to police.”

“Call 111 if it’s happening now or use the 105 service online or over the phone for non emergencies.”