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You will be aware that an increase in the price of oil has led to substantial increases in the cost of diesel fuel and petrol. These increased costs are leading to related thefts – the theft of number plates and the theft of fuel by the drilling of fuel tanks.

Thieves steal a pair of number plates. They then use to them to obtain fuel from a filling station and make off without paying. On Sunday there were three pairs of plates reported stolen in the city, two from Burslem and one from Shelton.

Alarmingly, we are also seeing reports of fuel tanks being drilled for fuel. This has happened in the past to commercial vehicles. The practice has now spread to private vehicles – the tank of a Fiat Punto was drilled in Werburgh Drive last Thursday.

Please let residents know. Where possible cars and other motor vehicles should be garaged. Call the police immediately if anything suspicious is seen.

For those able to make it – there is free number plate screw replacement taking place between 10am and 3pm next Wednesday, 23rd February at the Elf filling station on Leek New Road.