An Invercargill man has been arrested after 855 litres of petrol was stolen from a local contractor’s yard over the past month.

“Police have been investigating the rising reports of fuel thefts, and this quick arrest should be a warning to anyone that commits this type of offending: we’ll hold you to account,” Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Scott MacKenzie said.

The yard was targeted four times between 28 March and 5 April, with the first theft involving the use of a stolen motor vehicle where 400 litres was loaded into jerry cans.

“Today, when Police executed a search warrant at the offender’s address, they recovered 11 20L jerry cans used in the thefts,” MacKenzie said.

“We’re happy to have nabbed this suspect quickly and been able to recover some of the stolen fuel.”

A 32-year-old man appeared in the Invercargill District Court charged with receiving a stolen motor vehicle, theft over $1000, two counts of theft between $500 and $1000, theft under $500 and failure to carry out obligations in relation to computer search.

MacKenzie said the arrest followed that of two men two weeks ago in relation to a number of fuel thefts.

“I want to reassure the community that we are committed to disrupting this type of crime and holding offenders to account.”

Police are reminding individuals and businesses with fuel on their properties to ensure it is secured.

Southland Police are continuing to target fuel thefts and burglaries in the province.

Anyone who witnesses suspicious behaviour around businesses and vehicles is urged to call 111 if it is happening now, or for non-urgent reports contact 105, either by phone or online.