A 36-year-old man from Two Wells has been taken into custody and charged with theft as part of an ongoing investigation into approximately 20 incidents of petrol drive-offs, primarily occurring in the northern regions of Adelaide, according to police reports.
The alleged thefts involved a Mazda SUV equipped with counterfeit license plates and a large tank that authorities believe was utilized to transport the stolen fuel.
Law enforcement officials anticipate additional charges to be filed, with the man scheduled to appear in court next month.
This arrest follows an inquiry into the unlawful acquisition of fuel valued at over $12,000 through a series of petrol drive-offs in recent months, particularly in northern Adelaide.
According to South Australian Police, the incidents were linked to a silver Mazda SUV that was seen using false registration plates and had a significant tank installed in its rear section.
The vehicle is suspected to have participated in around 20 drive-offs between December 28 and April 14, with the driver either filling the SUV with unleaded fuel or loading the tank with diesel.
After a thorough investigation aimed at identifying the vehicle, police visited the owner’s residence in Two Wells last night, resulting in the arrest.
The man faces three counts of theft, and authorities have also recovered the Mazda SUV along with various other registration plates.
He is set to appear before the Elizabeth Magistrates Court on May 29, with police indicating that further charges are likely.
According to police, many of the diesel theft incidents involved significant amounts, often exceeding $1,000 each.
The cumulative value of the stolen fuel has surpassed $12,000.
Authorities characterized these thefts as neither random nor opportunistic, noting that they were premeditated and methodical in nature, aimed at concealing the vehicle’s identity.
Police emphasized that transporting such large quantities of fuel poses serious risks not only to the driver but also to other road users.
Recently, SA Police reported a noticeable uptick in petrol thefts across Adelaide, coinciding with the onset of the conflict in the Middle East.
