Operations Manager Diann Melas has condemned a brazen fuel theft in Sydney’s south after a man allegedly stole nearly $3000 worth of diesel from a family-owned service station in Mascot.
CCTV footage shows the man entering the Budget petrol station on Saturday, speaking with an attendant before filling multiple jerry cans with up to 600 litres of diesel and driving off without paying a $2874 bill.
He was later seen fleeing the scene and allegedly nearly hitting the attendant with his vehicle as he escaped down Baxter Road after the cashier pursued him on foot.
The vehicle was later identified as allegedly stolen, and police investigations are ongoing.
Ms Melas said the incident had a direct financial impact on small operators.
“It’s criminal what he’s done, it’s very disappointing to our business,” she said. “Every store is an independent family-owned business, and running off with $3000 worth of fuel comes out of our expenses.”
The incident comes amid a broader surge in fuel thefts, which industry groups say have increased by up to 50 per cent as diesel prices continue to climb well above $3 a litre during ongoing supply pressures.
Police have also reported similar offences elsewhere, including a rural Queensland case in which a man was charged with allegedly stealing 1000 litres of diesel from a property near Yelarbon.
Source: 9News.
