Building site 'fuel theft' thwarted

Two men have been arrested after police were called to an apparent fuel theft in progress on a construction site in Selby.

They were called at 22:15 last Saturday night when the men were spotted allegedly syphoning diesel from the site's generator.

Officers arrived within minutes and found two men sitting in a vehicle next that was parked next to the generator. Inside they found a 1,000 litre bowser, and syphoning equipment between the container and the generator.

A large set of bolt croppers and a crow bar were also found.

Police say nearly 350 litres of fuel – more than £600 worth at current retail prices – had been taken at the time by the time they arrived.

Both of the arrested men are from the West Yorkshire area. One, a 49-year-old was arrested on suspicion of theft of fuel, going equipped with the intent to steal, and burglary. 

The other, 51, was arrested on suspicion of theft of fuel and burglary.

Their van has been seized and both men have since been released on conditional bail, whilst the investigation progresses.