Isle of Wight businesses are being warned of the presence of oil thieves on the Isle of Wight this week, with 2 people chased off from a pub near Rookley.
According to multiple social media posts, 2 people in a white VW Crafter van – wearing hi-vis vests with the words ‘oil collection’ – have been spotted acting suspiciously across the Island and were even caught entering closed premises without permission.
The Chequers Inn has posted to say their chef had to chase off 2 people from the pub on the outskirts of Rookley this morning, luckily before anything could be taken. It is also known that the suspicious duo have also been visiting places like Terry’s Fish & Chips in Wootton and the Hare & Hounds at Downend. They have also headed west to places like The Sun Inn at Calbourne.
Oil theft is on the rise across the UK as people convert the waste product into unregulated biodiesel, which is then sold on the black market. It is thought the processing of which takes place in Southern England.
Due to the rules about disposing of commercial oil, drums are often left around for collection making takeaways and restaurants an easy target for thieves.
Anyone with information should alert Police on 101.
UPDATE MONDAY – 2 men from London have been arrested, questioned and bailed on suspicion of theft. Read more at https://www.islandecho.co.uk/2-men-from-london-arrested-over-oil-thefts-across-the-island/.
False number plate? Perhaps the police speed cameras will catch it for speeding.!
They sound like a slick operation, probably quite slippery to catch.
That was a bit crude mate!
They have just caught them in waitrose in east cowes
They should try the fryer vats in Ryde Mcdonalds lmao
Why do these Muppets come over here thinking the Island is an easy target……….wrong! Now F Off.
Bloody good luck to them I say in a country were we are being totaly ripped of and taken for mugs by the government just so the politicians can be millionaires I’d rather buy my diesel from these guys than put money in politicians pockets where are they based so I can go buy some