Seven tips to stop thieves stealing your petrol amid Iran war crime wave

EXCLUSIVE: Seven tips to stop thieves stealing your petrol amid Iran war crime waveMotorists are being targeted by petrol and diesel thieves across Britain as the Iran war sends fuel costs rocketing - but there are several ways you can protect your carCommentsNewsBenedict Tetzlaff-Deas News Reporter15:21, 13 Apr 2026View 2 ImagesCriminals are finding new ways to steal fuel from vehicles (file photo)(Image: Getty Images)Drivers have been warned to 'protect' their cars from petrol pinchers as fuel thefts soar amid the Iran war oil crisis.‌The Mirror recently reported how motorists and HGV owners are increasingly falling victim to criminals who steal diesel and petrol while a vehicle sits unattended - with some thieves even drilling into fuel tanks to bypass anti-siphoning technology.‌One recent incident saw as much as 25,000 litres of diesel secretly drained from a lorry depot in Grantham, while in Worcester, a driver told us he had returned to his spot in a multi-storey car park to find his Jaguar's cap loose and his fuel gauge had gone down.‌View 2 ImagesRocketing prices at the pump are putting drivers at higher risk (Image: Maureen McLean/Shutterstock)READ MORE: Petrol theft soars across UK - cars emptied as 'jerry can bandits' target pumpsREAD MORE: Key update on when UK petrol and diesel prices 'will start to fall'So-called 'fuel bandits' will target multiple vehicles in one night before selling the proceeds on the black market - but according to Halfords motoring expert Andy Turbefield, there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of being hit:Buy a fuel locking capA locking fuel cap is one of the simplest and most effective deterrents against fuel theft.‌Andy said: "Most modern cars have these, but many large lorries and commercial vehicles may still be at risk, as they usually carry less secure caps. For extra caution, investing in a quality cap that meets the positive lock and seal requirements for th...