DORCHESTER: Fuel raid on coach company

Thieves broke into the yard of Watts Coach House Travel on Sunday, January 23rd and got away with around 600 litres of fuel worth an estimated £900. 

They also smashed the window of a car in the process.

The raid appears to have been well planned as the thieves spent an estimated two hours in the depot siphoning the fuel from five coaches and two buses, around half of the fleet.

It is believed that the thieves gained access from the back of the site through a fence.

The owner of the company Les Watts said: “It appears to have been a well orchestrated job and that they cased the premises thoroughly before.

“Although we have CCTV that covers the area where they broke in, it was behind the row of vehicles and therefore they would not have been seen on camera. 

“We believe they used five gallon drums and pumped the fuel out as there were marks on the ground and slight damage to the vehicles.

“Although the raid took place after dark, the yard is lit like a Christmas tree which I guess made their life easier. They also appeared to know the best time to strike as the vehicles were all full of fuel ready to go into service on Monday morning.” 

This is the fourth time that Mr Watts’ premises have been similarly targeted in the 11 years they have been on the Poundbury West Industrial Estate.

“It’s more annoying than anything else as the drivers had to spend time filling up again on Monday morning.

They would have made a fair bit of noise over what we estimate the one and a half to two hours that it took, so we’re hoping someone might have heard or seen something, although the police have drawn a blank so far.

“There is also the cost of the fuel loss, which in the current economic climate is a worry.”

Mr Watts confirmed that he was taking action to step up security by replacing some of the perimeter fencing and installing additional cameras.

Dorset Police confirmed that they are continuing their investigations and are appealing to any witnesses or members of the public with information to come forward.

A spokesman said: “Someone will know who is responsible for the theft and we ask them to come forward and help solve this crime.”

Anyone with any information should contact PC Sean Mallon on 01305 222222 or if they wish to remain anonymous phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

PICTURE: BREAK IN - Owner Les Watts at the point where it is believed the thieves entered his premises

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