Although the price of fuel is still the highest and it is becoming very rare, thefts and other pumping are becoming more and more common. Indeed, criminals are tempted to steal petrol and diesel to avoid paying for it or to be able to resell it at inflated prices to drivers who cannot find it. The practice is obviously illegal and severely punishable by law. This does not prevent some from trying their luck anyway. And this is even if it often ends badly for the latter, who are usually not caught by the police for long.

The French are punished by supply interruptions at service stations.

Therefore, the Government continues the discount of 30 centimes/l at gas stations until mid-November.@TotalEnergies also extends its discount of 20 centimes/l for the same period. pic.twitter.com/u7EdYWGliB

— Elizabeth BORNE (@Elisabeth_Borne) October 16, 2022

A thief with experience

This is precisely the case of our contemporary bandit, who must surely regret having resorted to this infamous practice. The case takes place in Saint-Étienne, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, and began on Friday, April 7. At 11:15 p.m., the alarm system of the enterprise located in the city, or rather in the Fauriel district, went off. The police immediately arrived at the scene to check what was happening. As soon as they arrive, the police pounce young man 28 years old, installed in his car. And very quickly the latter do not doubt the projects of this.

It’s a big pity

And it is not for nothing that his vehicle emits a very strong smell of gasoline, which leaves no room for questioning. Then officials found several canisters actually filled with diesel. The attacker operated for several months and stole the equivalent 23,000 euros of fuel in minibuses and trucks of the same company. While in custody, he will now have to answer for his actions in court and face a large fine.