Fuel thieves disrupt bin collections

Published on 22 December 2022

Thieves who stole fuel and damaged waste collection vehicles at Fowlchurch Depot in Leek have caused disruption to bin collections just days before Christmas.

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, and its waste collection partner AES, have reported the incident, which took place overnight on Tuesday 20 December, to the Police and are advising residents of disruption to services as a result.

Eleven vehicles were targeted and several of those suffered damage to the fuel tanks.

Councillor Sav Scalise, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: "The actions of the selfish individuals who have carried out this criminal act will, unfortunately, mean the service we provide to our residents will be disrupted.

"It's extremely frustrating for all of us and we are angry that not only have they stolen fuel they have also damaged some of our vehicles in the process. That means these vehicles will be off the road until they are repaired - and those repairs are at the expense of the public purse which is another reason we condemn this theft and the criminal damage it has caused.

"Urgent repairs are taking place and I apologise to all those people affected. I know they will understand, given the circumstances, and I thank them for their patience."

The Council is advising people to check the website and its Facebook and Twitter channels for service updates.