The Rural Crime Prevention Team – NSW Police Force is urging landholders and rural businesses to review the security of fuel stored on their properties following a series of significant fuel thefts reported across rural NSW since the beginning of August.
Nearly 10,000 litres of fuel have been reported stolen in just over five weeks, impacting farming operations and rural businesses across the State.
If your property stores fuel, now is the time to review how it is secured and monitored. A small investment in prevention today may save thousands of dollars tomorrow.
Reported fuel theft incidents since 1 August 2026 include:
13 August – Milvale (Riverina Police District) – 1,400 litres of diesel stolen.
17 August – Gilgandra (Orana Mid Orana Mid-Western Police District) – 800 litres of diesel stolen.
21 August – Beryl near Gulgong (Orana Mid Orana Mid-Western Police District) – 200 litres stolen from a fuel pod.
28 August – Camp Creek, Yetman district (New England Police District) – 4,000 litres of diesel stolen.
1 September – Yetman (New England Police District) – 1,400 litres of diesel stolen.
1 September – Wollar near Mudgee (Orana Mid Orana Mid-Western Police District) – 100 litres of diesel stolen.
3 September – Greigs Flat (South Coast Police District) – 300 to 350 litres of diesel stolen from a harvester and tractor.
3 September – Gunnedah (Oxley Police District) – Diesel fuel stolen, quantity not recorded.
5 September – Yetman (New England Police District) – 740 litres of diesel stolen.
5 September – Nelungaloo near Parkes (Central West Police District) – 250 litres of diesel stolen.
8 September – Leeton (Murrumbidgee Police District) – 440 litres of diesel stolen.
These incidents have occurred across multiple Police Districts and serve as a timely reminder that fuel remains an attractive target for offenders, particularly when stored in remote locations or when security measures are limited.
Unfortunately, once fuel has been stolen it can be extremely difficult to identify, trace and recover.
Prevention is far more effective than trying to determine where a stolen liquid has gone after the fact.
The RCPT encourages landholders and rural businesses to:
Secure fuel tanks, bowsers and fuel trailers with quality locks and physical barriers.
Install CCTV, lighting and alarm systems around fuel storage areas.
Maintain accurate records of fuel purchases, deliveries and usage.
Conduct regular stocktakes and monitor fuel levels for unexplained losses.
Consider fuel monitoring technology, alarms and remote notification systems.
Position fuel storage where suspicious activity can be seen from homes, sheds or public roads.
Report suspicious vehicles, persons or activity to police immediately.
The theft of hundreds or even thousands of litres of diesel can have a significant financial impact and disrupt farming operations at critical times.
A proactive approach to fuel security may prevent substantial loss and inconvenience.
Anyone with information regarding fuel thefts or suspicious activity around rural properties is encouraged to contact their local police station or Crime Stoppers NSW on 1800 333 000.
Media release: NSW Police Rural Crime Prevention Team
